Homies: Comic Book Review

Posted on May 16, 2017 by Sarah "SacaKat" Fairbairn

Homies by David Gonzales, Elliott Serrano & Andrew Huerta
Paperback, 104 pages
Expected publication: June 27th 2017
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Source: Review copy from publisher
Thank you Dynamite
Add to Goodreads
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

It’s time to go back to the barrio with the Homies!

The pop culture phenomenon that took the 1990s by storm returns with brand-new hijinks co-plotted by the creator of Homies himself, David Gonzales.

In Barrio Quien Sabe, the entire community is one big familia, laughter and good times are the perfect cure for reality, and the Homies love their lowriders like they love their ladies: painted, sexy, curvy, and dressed to kill.

Follow the colorful, oddball characters in four wild adventures: the wedding of Gata to would-be bachelor-for-life Hollywood, a charity match of rival luchadores to save the neighborhood community center, the haunting of the Mexican legend La Llorona, and the arrival of an illegal alien… of the extraterrestrial kind! Welcome to East Los Angeles, ese!

“Written with heart and authenticity… worth the price of admission for the art alone.” – Outright Geekery

“Heart, comedy… that will please any reader. 98% Nerd Score!” – PopNerdTV

Homies is a collection of four separate stories featuring (for the most part) the same key characters.

Story uno* starts off with a wedding that was drama filled and almost didn’t happen. Other than a few redeeming speeches by the narrator, I wasn’t really a fan of this story. The story was lacking to me because I had no connection to the characters. If you we’re a previous fan or a least familiar with the Homies characters the reading experience would be different.

The whole tone of the comic improves with story dos* with a wrestling match to raise funds for the community centre. By this point I’d warmed up to the characters, the style, the humour and the heart.

My enjoyment only grew with story tres* which involved a prank show and a ghost haunting the broken hearted.

Story cuatro* was by far the best for heart and humour, featuring an alien from outer space that turns out to be a hot shot mechanic and finds himself a home on earth and in The Barrio.

For the most part the story was in English, there were a few Spanish words in the mix, but what the characters were saying was easy to understand. At first, I found the artwork sharp and harsh but it grew on me and I enjoyed it in the end. All in all I think the style really suited the stories.

Once I warmed up I found this comic to be a quick and enjoyable read. The later two stories earning it a four star rating.

*Uno Dos Tres Cuatro = One Two Three Four. If you didn’t figure that out before you got here you must never have heard a PitBull song before.

Mini Reviews: Guardians and Good Neighbors

Posted on February 5, 2017 by Sarah "SacaKat" Fairbairn

Guardians of the Galaxy (2008-2010) #1 by Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett (Author’s), Clint Langley, Paul Pelletier, Rick Magyar (Illustrator’s)

Back-to-back Annihilation wars have weakened the boundaries of our universe. In the face of terror, who stands to defend a desperate universe? Star-Lord and his squad of butt-kickers — the modern day Guardians of the Galaxy! Goodreads View.

MY THOUGHTS: I enjoyed the 2014 movie based on the 2008 Guardians of the Galaxy comic book reboot so much that after watching it I had intended on going and getting my hands the comics. And I did! It just took me two years.

So 2008’s issue #1. The comic has the same humour I enjoyed from the movie! Some of characters look rather different in print to the way they are portrayed in the movie, but the imagery was easily readable and I had gotten to know who was who by the end. The story was entertaining and fast paced, with a teaser thrown in near the end that hints at a long term underlying plot. I will definitely be continuing with the series. 4/5-stars.

Kith (The Good Neighbors #2) by Holly Black (Author), Ted Naifeh (Illustrator)

From the amazing imagination of bestselling author Holly Black, a mysterious and wonderful teen graphic novel masterpiece.

Rue Silver’s life is not what it appears to be. Her mother is a faerie, and has been taken back to the faerie realm. As Rue goes to bring her back, she must travel deep into an inhuman world. At the same time, the faerie realm is venturing into our world too, and taking its toll on those Rue loves. When her grandfather’s plans threaten Rue’s city, she realizes that she’s the only one who can stop him. But is Rue a human or a faerie? Where does she fit? How does she know the difference between love and enchantment? Goodreads View.

MY THOUGHTS: ME: Browsing the graphic novel/comic section of my local library “Holly Black I know that name”. Picks up book “Mmm a Holly Black graphic novel, that could be interesting”. Turns book over and reads the blurb “Yeah I’m gunna borrow it, sounds interesting enough”. Gets home and looks more closely at the cover “Ah f*** it says Book Two”. – I read it anyways. Obviously, as this is a review post.

Plot wise the whole 2nd in series thing wasn’t an issue. There was a page of straight text at the front that briefly summarised what had previously happened and the second book’s plot was quite easier to follow. I found the art work quite off putting. It was black and white only, which wasn’t the problem. Unfortunately It was quite dark and unreadable at times. Everyone, humans and fairies alike, all looked so similar it was a difficult at times to keep track of who was who. I’m not sorry I read it as it didn’t take long and was mildly entertaining, but the artwork brought down my enjoyment. 2/5-stars.

Mini Reviews: Four free Doctors, Sean & SAGA-37

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Sarah "SacaKat" Fairbairn

Doctor Who: Free Comic Book Day 2016 by Robbie Morrison

Jump on board the TARDIS with FOUR all-new short tales of the Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Doctors! Whether you’re a whizz with a Sonic Screwdriver or completely new to Who, this is the perfect Free Comic Book Day adventure for Sci-Fi fans of all ages! Written and illustrated by the creative teams of the regular comics, this is the ideal place to start reading!

Published July 5th 2016 by Titan Comics. Goodreads View.

My Thoughts: What is better then a free comic? A free comic that is awesome! And this was most definitely awesome. With new adventures from the Doctors 12, 11, 10 & 9, it was a super fun read. I am so chuffed I came across it on amazon, still free I might add. I can see myself reading it again when I need a quick pick me up. FIVE “I will always love you #10 / Keep on keeping on you scallywag #12” STARS.

Sean (Stuff Happens) by Will Kostakis

Stuff happens sometimes.
Everyday stuff.
At school, at home, with sport, with mates.

For Sean it happened starting at a new school.

Published August 27th 2014 by Penguin Australia. Goodreads View.

My Thoughts: Nawww adorable!! We follow fifth grader Sean as he tackles the terrifying task of starting at a new school and making new friends. Even though this book is aimed around 8-12 year-olds I still enjoyed it immensely. It was full of Kostakis’s entertaining and heart warming style that I know and love from his YA novels. FOUR “I really liked it” STARS.

30983255

Saga #37 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples

NEW STORY ARC! “THE WAR FOR PHANG,” PART ONE. SAGA is back with its most epic storyline yet, and to celebrate, FIONA STAPLES graces this issue with a gorgeous wraparound cover! Finally reunited with her ever-expanding family, Hazel travels to a war-torn comet that Wreath and Landfall have been battling over for ages. This arc is a self-contained “event” we’ve been building to since our very first issue, so now is the perfect time for readers who love SAGA’s bestselling collections to join our monthly adventures! Goodreads View.

My Thoughts: 37 issues in and this comic is still brilliant! With over three years of awesomeness under It’s belt the saga that is SAGA just keeps on getting better and better. It is a visually splendid and extremely entertaining sci-fi comic series with some important cultural undertones.

I love the motley crew that makes up Hazels’s traveling family and I am looking forward to the adventures ahead of them in the new story arc that starts with this issue. Bring it on Vaughan & Staples. FIVE “I’m addicted and I love it” STARS.

Review: Klaw by Antoine Ozenam

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Sarah "SacaKat" Fairbairn

A population of secret were-animals hide among us, and young Angel Tomassini is about to learn just how widespread — and dangerous — it is! Beautifully illustrated by Joel Jurion, best known throughout Europe and the worldwide animation industry for his gorgeous and dynamic character design, written by Antoine Ozenam, this exciting young adult series explores a world of ancient conflict hiding just under the surface of modern life as we know it. With identifiable coming of age themes overshadowed by thrilling action sequences and a deep, enthralling mythology, this book will introduce readers to a world unlike anything else on shelves today.

Klaw: The First Cycle byAntoine Ozenam(Writer), Joël Jurion(Illustrator), Yoann Guillé(Colorist), Mike Kennedy(Translator).

Collecting the first three chapters of this original ongoing series — AWAKENING, TABULA RASA, and UNIONS — this book comprises “THE FIRST CYCLE” in the epic, hidden universe of KLAW!

Pre-order from Book Depository or Booktopia

* * * * * MY THOUGHTS * * * * *

Firstly, I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

When we first meet Angel Tomassini he is getting beaten up my bullies, he is set up to seem like an underdog but he came off more like a spoiled rich kid to me, but Angel redeemed himself.

The reader follows Angel as he finds out about the power that resides within him, learns who his allies and who his enemies are, finds out the truth about his father and goes on to become the vigilante/superhero known as ‘The Klaw’.

This graphic novel chucks at lot at the reader at rapid pace; Bullying, Friendship, First Loves, Shape-Shifting, Mythology, Astrology, Super Heroes, Mafia Men, Super Villains and Paranormal Government Agents.

I’m giving it THREE “I enjoyed it” STARS. The premise of the story was interesting, but I didn’t really connect with any of the characters. As a whole the story felt a bit rushed and I would have liked more time spent on character development.

I really enjoyed the scenes showing Angel’s relationship with both his mentors, watching them train, the banter between them etc. Actually Angel and Dan hiding out in the warehouse training was my favorite part of the story, shame it didn’t last longer.

All in all, I’m glad I read it, but It didn’t blow me away.

Review: The Complete Alice in Wonderland by Carroll adapted by Moore & Reppion

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Sarah "SacaKat" Fairbairn

Take one politely stubborn and opinionated young girl. Add an overactive imagination. Shake in a heavy mix of puzzling and bizarre guides. Reduce all morals and lessons to the nonsensical degree and send it all on a journey to nowhere…

These are the ingredients that Lewis Carroll combined to create a fairy tale unlike any another. Dynamite is proud to present for all ages The Complete Alice in Wonderland; the most vivid adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s genre bursting tale of young Alice and her adventures in Wonderland. It contains Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass and the LOST chapter form Looking Glass “The Wasp in a Wig!”

Join Alice on her whimsical journey down the rabbit hole. From her initial meeting with the White Rabbit in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, to her final dinner party with the entire (and outrageous) Through the Looking Glass cast, every moment of Alice’s adventures in that astonishing landscape is captured in gorgeous detail. With old favorites like the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter joined now by a long-forgotten Carroll creation, The Wasp, in one of the book’s latter chapters, children and adults alike can rediscover the complete Alice tale and fall in love with Wonderland all over again!Published on the 19th April 2016, The Complete Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll adapted by Leah Moore and John Reppion, illustrated by Erica Awano. GOODREADS

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for a an honest review, THANK YOU.

* * * MY THOUGHTS * * *

Lech Moore, John Reppion and Erica Awano have adapted Lewis Carroll’s super famous work and pulled off a marvelous job. Ah, The wonderfully ridiculous adventures of Alice. The adapted story follows well and nothing feels like it is missing. I could see this adaptation appealing to the younger readers much more than the penguin classic version.

The only negative thing I have to say about this book is that while the pictures are extremely beautiful, they weren’t vibrant enough for me. I remember Wonderland as an over the top adventure land filled with ridiculousness and flamboyant colors.The copy I own of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a penguin classic, text only. So I assume I just imagined everything to be super bright and colorful. I found myself thinking; is it because of the movie adaptions that I assumed it was a bright and colorful world? At the back of this book there is an interview with the authors talking about how they purposely used original Alice illustrations as references. Oops, my imagination was off.

I love Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, but felt like Though The Looking Glass wasn’t quite as good. I don’t think that’s because of the adaptation, I think that is because of the original. Admittedly I’ve never read Though The Looking Glass, but I’ve read in multiple reviews that it doesn’t stand out like the first book and that it’s a little bit darker and even stranger. I do intent to read the original Through The Looking Glass one day.

I think this edition would be a wonderful way to introduce someone to Alice in the written word and for anyone who wants to enjoy Wonderland without the long poetry pieces.

Review: The Beauty Volume 1 by Jeremy Haun & Jason A. Hurley

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Sarah "SacaKat" Fairbairn

* New Release *

Modern society is obsessed with outward beauty. What if there was a way to guarantee you could become more and more beautiful every day? What if it was a sexually transmitted disease? In the world of The Beauty, physical perfection is only one sexual encounter away. The vast majority of the population has taken advantage of it, but Detectives Vaughn and Foster will soon discover it comes at a terrible cost. Now, they’ll have to find their way past corrupt poiticians, vengeful federal agents, and a terrifying mercenary out to collect the price on their heads. The Beauty Volume 1 collects the first six issues of the critically acclaimed series by writer/artist JEREMY HAUN (Constantine, Batwoman) and co-writer JASON A. HURLEY.

“A high concept that is, frankly, genius.” MultiversityComics.com

“This is absolutely a book to check out.” All-Comic.com

“One of the strongest introduction to a series in a long time.” ComicBookResources.com

MY THOUGHTS

I received a e-copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, THANK YOU.

My thoughts on first coming across this comic; “that blurb, oh hell yes, I’ve got to read this”. My thoughts upon finishing it, in one sitting without getting up to pee or get a drink, yes it had me that engrossed; “Dammmmmn, that was awesome”.

We follow Detectives Kara Vaughn and Drew Foster as they stumble upon a cover up with deadly consequences and meet unlikely allies. The beauty disease and its ticking time bomb plot is brilliant and keeps you turning the pages.

Both main characters are likable and by the end of this volume both of them have proved themselves worthy of being called comic book heroes.

The sixth issue ends on a cliff hanger that will make you shout out loud. After all the hell Vaughn and Drew go thorough during the six issues, to find the truth and a cure, the side effects of the cure set up some serious drama to come. Bring on the next issue ASAP I say.

More Info & Buy links: The Book Depository | Booktopia | Goodreads | Image Comics

Review: Faith by Jody Houser

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Sarah "SacaKat" Fairbairn

FAITH #1 (Faith) by Jody Houser

Orphaned at a young age, Faith Herbert – a psionically gifted “psiot” discovered by the Harbinger Foundation – has always aspired to greatness. But now this once ordinary teenager is taking control of her destiny and becoming the hard-hitting hero she’s always known she can be – complete with a mild-mannered secret identity, unsuspecting colleagues, and a day job as a reporter that routinely throws into her harms way! Well, at least she thought it would… When she’s not typing up listicles about cat videos, Faith makes a secret transformation to patrol the night as the City of Angels’ own leading superhero – the sky-soaring Zephyr!

But flying solo is going to be tougher than Zephyr ever thought when she uncovers a deep-rooted alien conspiracy. Two-bit burglars and car thieves are one thing, but when the world needs a hero to stave off a full-blown extraterrestrial invasion, will Faith find herself in over her head…or ready for her biggest challenge yet?

FAITH #2 (Faith) by Jody Houser

Just as she uncovers a conspiracy in the Hollywood Hills that threatens the lives of her fellow psiots and new friends alike, Faith must also deal with the return of her ex-boyfriend and one-time teammate Torque…and a volatile new alien threat that nobody saw coming!

Be here as all-star creators Jody Houser (Orphan Black), Francis Portela (Green Lantern), and Marguerite Sauvage (DC Comics Bombshells) continue the groundbreaking, first-ever solo series for the Valiant Universe’s most extraordinary hero…the high-flying Faith!

“A superhero we can all admire.” -People Magazine

Faith on Goodreads

* * * * M Y T H O U G H T S * * * *

Thank you Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review a partial galley (Issues 1 & 2) of Faith Volume 1: Hollywood and Vine.

Faith Volume 1: Hollywood and Vine will be released on the 26th July and it will contain FAITH Issues 1 – 4.

I loved Faith! None of the other characters stood out to me in the two issues, but I loved Faith after the first ten pages or so.

In the first two issues we met super hero Faith and her secret alter ego Summer, find out why she is out on her own and get a sneak peek at what looks to be an exciting world.

Oh Faith! You are my kind of woman!

The first two issues were slow burning and things were only starting to heat up as the second issue finished. I’m hanging out now to see if the pace picks up in the later issues *Fingers Crossed* as this series could be brilliant! So far it feels like this is a series where you want to collect a few issues and read them in a binge, that way you get a bit of action with the fantastic world building.

Three “I liked It” Stars for my enjoyment of these two issues, but with the likely hood of an improvement to Five Stars with the addition of issue 3 and 4 and some bad guy butt kicking. I mean did you read that synopsis! BRING IT ON!

Grumpy Cat Volume 1 by Ben McCool

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Sarah "SacaKat" Fairbairn

Grumpy Cat, Volume 1 by Ben McCool, Royal McGraw, Elliott Serrano, Ben Fisher, Steve Uy(Author) (Illustrations), Ken Haeser (Illustrations), Tavis Maiden(Illustrations), Agnes Garbowska (Illustrations).

Children’s Fiction

Publishing on the 16th Feb.

Dynamite proudly presents the comic book misadventures of Grumpy Cat, featuring “The World’s Grumpiest Cat” and her brother, Pokey! With her ever-present pout and sassy disposition, Grumpy Cat has won the hearts of people everywhere. Now, her unbearable cuteness and infectious sourpuss are featured in an all-new, all-sensational collection of comic stories, sure to make fans of all ages laugh! If you love the memes, the videos, and that irresistible scowl, then get ready for the wildly fun antics of Grumpy Cat and Pokey!

* * * * * * My Thoughts * * * * * *

Many thanks to the publisher via NetGalley for a copy of this book to read and review.

Grumpy Cat who’s real name is Tardar Sauce was born in April 2012 and thanks to an underbite and feline dwarfism she has a grumpy looking pout. She shot to fame in September 2012 when a photo of her started circulating the internet and subsequently sporned multiple memes.

I don’t think you need to know who grumpy cat is to find this cute comic collection a fun read. But i’d be shocked if you hadn’t ever heard of her.

Grumpy Cat Volume 1 is a humorous, quick and light hearted read about two cats who are polar opposites personality wise and the mischief they get up to.

I think it’d be the perfect thing to have in a waiting room /coffee table as it would appeal to a large age range, who doesn’t like a grumpy cat and there isn’t anything in there anyone can get offended about.

Grumpy Cat reminds me of 90’s Garfield. With Grumpy Cat we get humor and sarcasm. She is grumpy yet adorable, loves food, loves to sleep and has a dog and Pokey to reign over. There are haunted houses, broken smart phones, stolen treats, revenge (against the dog) and more. I give It Three “I Liked It” Stars.

If you want more check out Grumpy Cat on Goodreads or Author Ben McCool’s Website.

Starfire #1 by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Sarah "SacaKat" Fairbairn

Starfire 2015 #1

By (Authors) Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti and (Illustrator) Emanuela Lupacchino.

27 full colour pages, Published June 2015 by DC Comics

SHE’S AN ALIEN WARRIOR TRYING TO FIND PEACE…

AND WILL FIGHT ANYONE OR ANYTHING TO GE IT!

ARE YOU READY?

The first though I had when I finished this was “That was adorable. I want more.”

So Starfire aka Kori was a princes on her own planet, but was outlawed when some nasties took it over and entrapped her sister – I’m sure this will all come back to haunt Kori later in the series. For now Kori is struggling to fit in on earth, cue taking a shower naked out in the open and misunderstanding men’s meanings about giving her a place to stay for the night, but luckily she has the help of a cop named Stella.

Starfire is funny, sexy and a treat for the eyes. The pages are in full colour and those colours are bright and beautiful.

This feels like it’s going to be a super quirky, full on girl power, bad guy busting series of awesomeness. It’s from the writers of HARLEY QUINN so all of the above is to be expected. I’m ready, bring on more Starfire. Five Stars.

What DC says about Starfire:

A princess who became a slave. A slave who became a warrior. A warrior who became one of the world’s greatest super heroes.

Betrayed by her own sister and forced into slavery, Princess Koriand’r of Tamaran experienced torture, exploitation and experimentation at the hands of others—but instead of it breaking her, it only made her stronger. Breaking free and fleeing to Earth, she discovered a world filled with heroes, people who fought for the oppressed, who used their powers and abilities to save those in need. And it was then that Koriand’r made a decision that changed her place in life forever. She decided to become the super hero known as Starfire.

Like all Tamaraneans, Starfire’s alien physiology allows her to absorb ultraviolet radiation and convert it to energy in order to fly. However, due to the experiments conducted on her during her imprisonment, she can also channel and project that same energy as destructive blasts.

Despite the hardships she experienced early in her life, Starfire remains a courageous and dedicated hero, who despises seeing anyone else experience the pain she went through herself. She is incredibly loyal and optimistic and lives to see and experience everything the universe has to offer.

Now I didn’t see it as Kori’s sister betraying her, I saw it as she didn’t have a choice. But as I said I’m sure that’ll all come up again later in the series and there is probably more to it then we got in this first issue.

Amanda Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/54926.Amanda_Conner

Jimmy Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/54927.Jimmy_Palmiotti

Jimmy Twitter – https://twitter.com/jpalmiotti

DC Starfire – http://www.dccomics.com/comics/starfire-2015

#1 available NOW. #2 available 8th July.

#3 available 12th August. #4 available 9th September.

GRONK by Katie Cook

Posted on May 10, 2015 by Sarah "SacaKat" Fairbairn

Gronk: A monster’s tale is an all-ages weekly comic that follows Gronk, a little green monster that has shunned monster life. she finds a home with Dale, a young nerd-lady who teaches Gronk the ways of her world.

Now the Internet’s favorite little green monster is a lovely, full color book! A book that will look great hanging from a magazine rack in your bathroom or as a nice glossy coaster for your favorite frosty beverage.

“Gronk is a young monster who has turned her back on the ways of monster-dom (mostly because she was just too darn adorable to be scary). She finds the human world fascinating and is curious about everything…”

Adorable characters, beautiful bright illustrations, a cute and funny story with some fandom references thrown in for good measure. I really enjoyed reading Gronk; it is a quick fun read that I can see myself reading again. I’ve even gone and subscribed to Katie’s website so I can keep up with Gronk’s activities as she tries to make a home with her human, cat and extremely over weight dog.

I won my copy in a bundle (that I am making my way through) from Diamond Comics :-).

Katie cook is a comic book artist and illustrator. She’s worked on licenses ranging from star wars to marvel comics to lord of the rings to fraggle rock and more. cartooning is all she’s ever wanted to do with her life (besides her ambition to be a muppet or a robot as a child). Katie’s art as well as a lengthy history of her work can be found at www.katiecandraw.com Katie’s Twitter – https://twitter.com/katiecandraw

I saw these two pictures on Katie’s website and just had to share them: Harry Potter, Cute Cartoon Cats AND DR WHO!!! I love this woman!!!

THE ADVENTURES OF SACAKAT

Sharing my thoughts on the books I read and my experiences in this crazy thing called life since 2013

Tag Archives: Comic Book Review