Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

When the Supreme Wizard of the Kingdom of Luxor summons the four Guardians—Kenichi, Aoto, Iao, and Liz—of the Gem, he informs them that the Gem’s aura has been detected in the old Zar’s dungeon, and that they must recover it. The Guardians arrive at the dungeon, only to walk into great evil. They fight it, but it proves to be more powerful. It injures them, kills one of their own, and just when it is about to finish them off, a stranger appears and saves them. They take the stranger, now unconscious, whom they later learn is called Ichiro, back to the palace. However, the Supreme Wizard discovers something unsettling about Ichiro and urges the king to send him away. But that’s not all. While the Guardians heal, something dark is brewing in the shadows of Luxor, and the kingdom might be in grave danger. Find out in Dark Heart: Manga Series, Volume 1 by Eduardo Padrón Zequeira.

If you are looking for a graphic novel laced with dark fantasy, drama, action, and suspense, Dark Heart by Eduardo Padrón Zequeira is a great pick. Zequeira wasted no time in acquainting me with the cast and the story’s conflicts right from the start. The character-driven conversations and personal reflections gave me insight into the cast’s emotions and personalities. Emmanuel Gónzález's illustrations enriched my imagination and complemented the story's grim edge. Danger seemed to lurk everywhere in the medieval setting. The storyline moves fast, and at the end of every conflict or mystery, a bigger one is born. The Guardians are young, imperfect characters learning how to handle their responsibilities and wield their powers. The Zar’s dungeon assignment not only tests the limits of their power but also shows them the consequences if they are not strong enough in the face of adversity. In this debut graphic novel, Zequeira introduces secrets and motives, setting the stage for enthralling revelations and history in the next installment. I’ll be on the lookout for the next release in the Manga Series.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

When Lynn Davenport hears about the Veritas cruise, she sees it as the perfect opportunity to bond with a father who has been anything but that to her. She did not expect that, shortly after boarding the vessel with several other passengers, she would be fighting for her life. A mysterious virus has made its way aboard the Veritas, and now it is a question of who lives and who dies as it races through the vessel's occupants at an alarming rate. Lynn is about to discover just how dangerous a little white lie can be in The A.R.C. by Tim Disney, JC Lacek, and Vincent Jolas Dubourg.

The authors paint a very frightening what-if scenario in The A.R.C. The origin stories are brief, with deliberate gaps in some individuals' cases that discerning readers will recognize as a subtle way of emphasizing these individuals' importance in the larger narrative. The dialogue changes from casual to technical and detailed, particularly as the focus switches to the virus's modus operandi. Tim Disney and JC Lacek's references to the illegal immigration problem and the government's efforts to combat it complement the presence of notable public figures in the story. This combination gives the narrative a contemporary feel that realistic fiction readers can relate to. Vincent Jolas Dubourg's use of specific colors in the illustration to highlight when the characters are lying or telling the truth complements the gradual pace. It immerses readers as they follow the clues in the mystery. I enjoyed reading The A.R.C. for its refreshing, values-oriented theme, and I believe readers can learn a lot from it.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Sacred Band of Thebes by Glenn Rabney and Bart Baker is a colorful, action-packed graphic novel that highlights an elite group of Theban soldiers formed around the 4th century BCE. The concept was first introduced by Plato, who suggested that soldiers who were also lovers would be undefeatable in battle, as each soldier would gladly die for his lover and brother in arms. The Band of Thebes proved its success at Leuctra against the Spartans but was ultimately destroyed by Philip II of Macedon and his teenage son Alexander (later the Great) at Chaeronea. This graphic novel follows the stories of two such boys who were plucked from their village to be trained into feared Theban warriors: Androkles and Kallistos. Both boys were forcibly stolen from their parents to join the elite Band of Thebes, and both grew to become warriors and leaders of the Band. Androkles and Kallistos were seven years old and already best friends when their mothers were murdered in front of them, and they were snatched by the Band. Growing ever closer as brothers but not as lovers, they would still gladly die for each other.

I didn’t realize The Sacred Band of Thebes was a graphic novel, but I am glad I didn’t miss out on an excellent, wonderfully illustrated story. As a history buff, I love reading accounts of those early wars involving Greece, Sparta, Thebes, Macedon, and the like, but this type of story adds a wonderful visual element to the inherent stories of warfare, brotherhood, courage, and love. Authors Glenn Rabney and Bart Baker have constructed a solid tale of the bond between two young boys who became two great warriors. I appreciated Kallistos’ unwillingness to embrace the full concept of comradely love to include physical love. The consequent side-arc of his love for Elpida added depth and breadth to a story principally about war and warriors. Of course, the couple naming their first son Androkles cemented the deep bond the pair had forged as children and adults. The illustrations are wonderful, graphic to an extreme, and an integral part of an excellent package. If graphic novels are your thing, this is definitely for you, but if you are a graphic-novel neophyte, then I recommend you jump in with both feet and give this book a try. You won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is an action-packed comic book by Darin S. Cape. It follows the adventures of a young boy named Zachary (Zicky). In his dreams, Zicky visits the land of the Rat King, whose plan is to invade Zicky's world and steal all the cheese. Before sunrise, Zicky escapes from the Rat King and his minions and wakes up in his own bed. However, his family, particularly his siblings, thinks his nighttime adventures are just a figment of his imagination. But on his next escapade, Zicky is captured by the Rat King, and he sends a doppleganger to replace him in front of his family. With the rat invasion in full swing, Zicky's family is held hostage by these critters. Can Zicky and his friends stop the rat invasion?

If you're a fan of comic books or Japanese manga, Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is the perfect book for you. Author Darin S. Cape doesn't waste a single word, dropping you into this wild adventure from the very first page, and keeping you engrossed all the way through. Moving at a brisk pace, the plot twists and turns its way to a climactic ending that is both satisfying and action-packed. Zicky is an underdog yet immensely likable and relatable. Young readers are bound to root for him as he battles his foes, trying to save the world from the rat invasion. Both the illustrators, Zeno Decrux and Jorge Luis Gabotto, have done a fantastic job of adding depth to the world Cape has created. Overall, I was thoroughly entertained, and I recommend the book to all comic book lovers.

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

Dead Acre: Black Badge Vol. 1 is a supernatural western graphic novel written by Cullen Bunn, with illustrations by Riley Brown. Something unusual was happening in Dead Acre, a small town in the middle of nowhere. Graves had been dug up, and a man was missing. James Crowley, who lost his life in a gunfight, is given a second chance by the White Throne to become the Hand of God. He moves from town to town doing their will. Unfortunately, his arrival in Dead Acre is met with hostility from the locals, and the bartender warns him to leave as soon as possible. Crowley speaks with Rosa, the wife of the missing man, and struggles with a mysterious connection he feels between them. On his first night there, Shargrafein, an angel of the order, informs Crowley that a Hellmouth is located in the town and advises him to be cautious. Determined to investigate, Crowley knows that the stakes are high with a supernatural threat lurking in Dead Acre. He is the only one capable of ending its reign of terror.

Dead Acre explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and redemption while blending elements of a western with the supernatural. The story features creatures such as werewolves, shapeshifters, and necromancers. Crowley’s mission in Dead Acre leads to a thrilling adventure. Just when you think he has solved the case, the author introduces an unexpected twist. Cullen Bunn’s storytelling is easy to follow, with natural dialogue between the characters. Crowley is a confident character with humorous comebacks and a resilient spirit. We witness some of his supernatural gifts and weaknesses that came from his transformation. His story is captivating as readers experience flashbacks from the day he died, which adds tension. The dark, gritty illustrations effectively complement the narrative, while the action scenes are intense and dynamic, heightening the sense of danger and urgency. Overall, this is a thrilling story, and I look forward to reading more in this series due to its intriguing premise and compelling characters.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Evermore: Sleepy Hollow is a beautifully illustrated comic fantasy written by Joshua Gamon, featuring incredible artwork by Aleksander Bozic Ske. Abigail, a young girl, goes missing, and her father, Doctor Fredrick Fellowes, enters a cursed fairy tale book to find her. Together with their samurai friend, Kiku, they believe the world of Sleepy Hollow is a peaceful haven ruled by Ichabod Crane; however, trouble looms when a peaceful summit turns into bloodshed. Nothing is what it seems, and evil lurks in every corner. Things get even more complicated when the legendary thief, Arsène Lupin, sets his insidious plans in motion.

Joshua Gamon’s Evermore is epic. It is deftly plotted, and readers are introduced to a cast of intriguing characters — from creatures of legend to vengeful queens and characters from classic literature. The illustrations are terrific, and they capture the characters' emotions, infusing the sparkling dialogues with life and allowing the tension to feel real to readers. The world-building is impeccable, and readers will be transported to a finely imagined world filled with danger, intrigue, and powerful forces at play. The suspense is built around the identity of Abigail. I wanted to discover why she got into the magical book and everything about her destiny. It is also interesting to follow every move the characters make, wanting to know if they can succeed against the odds to find their way out of the accursed world. This fantasy tale is well-paced and ingeniously crafted to keep any reader turning the pages. I found it hard to put down.

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

Fractured Shards: Volume 3 is a comic book created by Dan Feuerriegel, Stephen Kok, and Shaun Keenan. It follows the gripping story of Detective Sebastian Vetro, who operates in the glamorous LIGHTS and the dark, gloomy DISTRICT. While investigating the recent death of Belle, Vetro uncovers a connection to a powerful and untouchable man, Leonard Daniels. As he delves deeper, Vetro discovers a link to Krisp Cortez, a criminal with a twisted agenda who works for the elite. He learns that Krisp has a shipment of children coming in, and by placing a tracker on him, Vetro believes he has the situation under control. However, Krisp has a mysterious informant who seems to know Vetro’s every move and the fractures that show him glimpses of crimes and gruesome events. Vetro’s cases grow increasingly complex, and the urgency to uncover the truth behind the darkness lurking in the streets intensifies.

Fractured Shards by Dan Feuerriegel, Stephen Kok, and Shaun Keenan features intriguing characters and explores the horrors faced in a dysfunctional society filled with greed and morally compromised individuals. It addresses harrowing topics such as child trafficking, murder, torture, sexual assault, and corruption, highlighting their impact on the impoverished who strive to survive daily. Despite the dark themes, the story provides a glimmer of hope, with individuals like Vetro who are willing to risk their lives for justice. As the plot unfolds, the true intentions and motivations of the characters come to light. The artwork is stunning, expertly capturing the mood of the story and showing the stark contrast between the organized and well-lit LIGHTS and the eerie streets of the DISTRICT. I thoroughly enjoyed this comic and highly recommend it to fans of gritty, dystopian narratives filled with complex characters, dark themes, and a captivating plot.

Reviewed by Matt Lebois for Readers' Favorite

Dark Cloud is a breathtaking graphic novel by Sandra Wolff, creator and writer of the screenplay it vividly and memorably brings to life, and Jared Barel, who adapted it to graphic format using unique methods. Dark Cloud tells an action-packed story set in the post-apocalyptic Southwestern United States, presenting the eponymous hero, a woman with a murky past, a hardy survivor with the ability to sense spirits of the land. Partnered with a faithful robot guardian, a remnant of the world’s nearly-obliterated past, she is drawn into conflict with a powerful warlord, one of the new would-be rulers of these lands. When a devastatingly destructive force comes into play and threatens to upset what little balance remains for humanity’s survivors, Dark Cloud, though outnumbered and outgunned, puts everything she cares about on the line to prevent tragedy.

The visuals in this book are phenomenal. The desert mesas, sunsets, lighting flares are absolutely gorgeous, and the characters are a stand-out. It wouldn’t be cheating to flip to the end and read up on the creation process first. The blend of live actors, digital and traditional art really pops and gives the book a truly unique look. The story and dialogue are equally cinematic and original. The final result is a pitch-perfect callback to 80s or 90s apocalyptic action flicks, if they had had bigger budgets to work with back then. The creator’s foreword cites The Road Warrior as a foundational inspiration, and I also found myself reminded of Red Dawn, Terminator, Dark Angel, and Battlestar Galactica. I hope we’ll see Dark Cloud on the big screen too.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Beyond is a satirical mystery/fantasy graphic novel by Andrew Howell. When the Baz family patriarch, George, passes away, he leaves his sons, Tibbs and Victor, equal shares of an inheritance while giving specific instructions in his will to blast his dead body into space. But soon, Tibbs is poisoned and ends up roaming the chaotic terrain of Necro England in the afterlife. Meanwhile, Victor becomes the prime suspect in the murders of his father and brother, unwittingly finding himself entrenched in a sinister conspiracy involving the mysterious cult, Brothers of the Watch. With the help of a motley crew of friends he has made in the afterlife, Tibbs must find his father's soul in the north. In the world of the living, Victor is trying to escape the sins of his past.

Flawlessly merging the genres of fantasy, supernatural, satire, and mystery thriller, Andrew Howell delivers an absolute pageturner of a graphic novel. Beyond is morbidly hilarious, beautifully mysterious, and surprisingly poignant. The narrative is surreal, chaotic, but above all, thoroughly entertaining. From the first page, you're in for a wild ride, and that feeling never goes away until the end. Howell has crafted some quirky characters that will make you laugh at the most absurd situations, primarily due to his witty dialogue and use of droll humor throughout. The artwork perfectly captures the narrative tone and makes the characters and the setting even more vibrant. I can't reiterate enough how much I enjoyed this book. If you're a fan of dark humor and graphic novels, don't miss out on this one!

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Losing a loved one is never easy. It's a particularly difficult tragedy to get over when you're young and impressionable. Based on a true story, RIP Corey: My Friend Died and It Sucks! by Chris Buchanan is the tale of a high school senior named Sam who loses his best friend Corey. With some beautifully drawn artwork by Emily Ingram-Patel, the book follows Sam as he tries to come to terms with his loss and grief. Two months before, Corey was taken to the hospital for an infection, but after 50 days, Corey lost his life. Sam is still in mourning, and on his counselor's advice, he joins a grief group that allows him to express how he feels. After a while, Sam learns to cherish his friend's memories and celebrate his life with his other friends.

RIP Corey is a heartfelt story about loss, grief, and moving on. Chris Buchanan tells the story in the form of a graphic novel or comic book, with Emily Ingram-Patel's vibrant illustrations breathing life into the characters. The narrative style ensures that the story resonates with children, adults, and even readers on the autism spectrum. Most of us have lost a loved one at some point in our lives. This book provides some valuable lessons to navigate grief and discover ways to remember your loved ones in the best possible light. Sam's story is bound to pull at your heartstrings. The comic book approach to the story somehow makes it even more impactful. I'm glad I read this book, as I found it inspirational, and I highly recommend it to readers of all kinds.