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Deluge
The People That Melt in the Rain #1
Carolyn Watson-Dubisch, Mike Dubisch
2024 Illustration Award
51 Pages
Check current price
Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
When Laura and her mother decide to move from Seattle to Deluge, the last thing they expect is to see frogs raining from the sky the moment they drive into town. Laura believes the unusual rainfall is a bad omen and is not optimistic about the move. On the other hand, her mother feels moving was a great decision, and she encourages Laura to participate in the town's activities and use the opportunity to make new friends. The next day, Laura meets Kevin, a boy who saves her from what she presumes is an acid rainfall. As they converse, Kevin hints that frogs and acid rain are not the only abnormalities in Deluge. Laura seeks more answers from another local, Mrs. Winston. Unfortunately, the answers she gets frighten her because they make her realize she is trapped in a cursed town that no one can ever leave. To find out what happens next, grab a copy of Deluge, a graphic novel written and illustrated by Carolyn Watson-Dubisch and Mike Dubisch.
Deluge is an intriguing story filled with mystery, suspense, and adventure. The story starts off as ordinary, but it quickly turns into an unpredictable tale. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. Carolyn Watson-Dubisch and Mike Dubisch showcased their combined creativity by telling this story in text and visual form. The unique storyline and the amazing characters make this novel captivating and memorable. My favorite part is the illustrations. The art gives it an eerie vibe that perfectly corresponds with the bizarre nature of the story. The characters’ emotions were easy to read, and little details like the black cat, the painting, and Mrs. Winston’s trinkets formed clues that could only be visually understood. I enjoyed this story and hope to read more books from these authors. This is just the beginning of Laura’s journey; more is yet to come. Great work.
When Laura and her mother decide to move from Seattle to Deluge, the last thing they expect is to see frogs raining from the sky the moment they drive into town. Laura believes the unusual rainfall is a bad omen and is not optimistic about the move. On the other hand, her mother feels moving was a great decision, and she encourages Laura to participate in the town's activities and use the opportunity to make new friends. The next day, Laura meets Kevin, a boy who saves her from what she presumes is an acid rainfall. As they converse, Kevin hints that frogs and acid rain are not the only abnormalities in Deluge. Laura seeks more answers from another local, Mrs. Winston. Unfortunately, the answers she gets frighten her because they make her realize she is trapped in a cursed town that no one can ever leave. To find out what happens next, grab a copy of Deluge, a graphic novel written and illustrated by Carolyn Watson-Dubisch and Mike Dubisch.
Deluge is an intriguing story filled with mystery, suspense, and adventure. The story starts off as ordinary, but it quickly turns into an unpredictable tale. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. Carolyn Watson-Dubisch and Mike Dubisch showcased their combined creativity by telling this story in text and visual form. The unique storyline and the amazing characters make this novel captivating and memorable. My favorite part is the illustrations. The art gives it an eerie vibe that perfectly corresponds with the bizarre nature of the story. The characters’ emotions were easy to read, and little details like the black cat, the painting, and Mrs. Winston’s trinkets formed clues that could only be visually understood. I enjoyed this story and hope to read more books from these authors. This is just the beginning of Laura’s journey; more is yet to come. Great work.
Recommend this book:
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Aquila
Dan Feuerriegel, Shaun Keenan, Grace Cong & Stephen Kok
2024 Illustration Award
Kindle Edition
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Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
Aquila is a comic book written by Dan Feuerriegel, Shaun Keenan, Grace Cong, and Stephen Kok, with illustrations by Debroa Lanianese. It is set in a bleak dystopian future where the rich of the Lights oppress the poor who live in the District. It follows the story of Aquila (Annie), a high-ranking official in the Lights who has risen to power through dubious means with the help of her assistant Jonathan. Unfortunately, her world begins to crumble when she discovers she has a poor heart and needs to undergo a secret transplant. This leads to a news leak about her illness which makes her lose her faith in Jonathan. What Aquila does not know is that her past is finally catching up with her, and the enemies she made during her rise to power are out for blood.
Aquila is a gripping story that explores themes of class struggle, corruption, and the consequences of one’s actions. The revenge plot adds mystery and suspense to the narrative, drawing readers in and keeping them on the edge of their seats. The casual conversations and diverse personalities of the characters keep the reader engaged, and the illustrations bring the world to life in a way that enhances the narrative. The use of dark colors to convey a bleak dystopian atmosphere was effective, and the well-placed dialogue made conversations feel natural and easy to follow. This story is a part of the Fractured Shards series, and there are more episodes to come. I cannot wait to read more about these characters. Overall, this is great work.
Aquila is a comic book written by Dan Feuerriegel, Shaun Keenan, Grace Cong, and Stephen Kok, with illustrations by Debroa Lanianese. It is set in a bleak dystopian future where the rich of the Lights oppress the poor who live in the District. It follows the story of Aquila (Annie), a high-ranking official in the Lights who has risen to power through dubious means with the help of her assistant Jonathan. Unfortunately, her world begins to crumble when she discovers she has a poor heart and needs to undergo a secret transplant. This leads to a news leak about her illness which makes her lose her faith in Jonathan. What Aquila does not know is that her past is finally catching up with her, and the enemies she made during her rise to power are out for blood.
Aquila is a gripping story that explores themes of class struggle, corruption, and the consequences of one’s actions. The revenge plot adds mystery and suspense to the narrative, drawing readers in and keeping them on the edge of their seats. The casual conversations and diverse personalities of the characters keep the reader engaged, and the illustrations bring the world to life in a way that enhances the narrative. The use of dark colors to convey a bleak dystopian atmosphere was effective, and the well-placed dialogue made conversations feel natural and easy to follow. This story is a part of the Fractured Shards series, and there are more episodes to come. I cannot wait to read more about these characters. Overall, this is great work.
Recommend this book:
Fractured Shards
Volume 2
Dan Feuerriegel, Stephen Kok and Shaun Keenan
2023 Illustration Award
Kindle Edition
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Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Jennie More for Readers' Favorite
Fractured Shards Volume 2 by Dan Feuerriegel, Stephen Kok, and Shaun Keenan is a graphic comic centered around Detective Sebastian Vetro. He was dealing with a host of unsolved murders with no obvious suspects in mind when suddenly another murder took place, and he had no idea where to begin searching. But after meeting Abigail, a prostitute turned hitman, they discover more about the latest murder. Vetro has a troubled but hidden history. It may have caught up with him now, and he might have to deal with some skeletons from his past or those who want to use his record against him. While Abigail seeks revenge for the death of her best friend, she could just be what Vetro needs to find out who’s after him.
Fractured Shards Volume 2 by Dan Feuerriegel, Stephen Kok, and Shaun Keenan is an appealing, engrossing, and entertaining page-turner. The dialogue is short yet precise in depicting the personality of each character. I immediately developed an interest and connection with the main role players, Sebastian Vetro, Abigail, and Belle, because of the dialogue and the amazing graphics. I loved the illustrations as they complemented the storyline perfectly and created a deep interest in what will happen next. I felt that instead of reading a graphic novel I was watching a movie, sitting on the edge of my seat, and waiting in anticipation of the sequel. The creator, writer, and illustrator managed to maintain the reader’s interest while enticing them to read the next one. This is a brilliant comic that captured my attention.
Fractured Shards Volume 2 by Dan Feuerriegel, Stephen Kok, and Shaun Keenan is a graphic comic centered around Detective Sebastian Vetro. He was dealing with a host of unsolved murders with no obvious suspects in mind when suddenly another murder took place, and he had no idea where to begin searching. But after meeting Abigail, a prostitute turned hitman, they discover more about the latest murder. Vetro has a troubled but hidden history. It may have caught up with him now, and he might have to deal with some skeletons from his past or those who want to use his record against him. While Abigail seeks revenge for the death of her best friend, she could just be what Vetro needs to find out who’s after him.
Fractured Shards Volume 2 by Dan Feuerriegel, Stephen Kok, and Shaun Keenan is an appealing, engrossing, and entertaining page-turner. The dialogue is short yet precise in depicting the personality of each character. I immediately developed an interest and connection with the main role players, Sebastian Vetro, Abigail, and Belle, because of the dialogue and the amazing graphics. I loved the illustrations as they complemented the storyline perfectly and created a deep interest in what will happen next. I felt that instead of reading a graphic novel I was watching a movie, sitting on the edge of my seat, and waiting in anticipation of the sequel. The creator, writer, and illustrator managed to maintain the reader’s interest while enticing them to read the next one. This is a brilliant comic that captured my attention.
Recommend this book:
Fractured Shards
Stephen Kok, Dan Feuerriegel and Shaun Keenan
2022 Illustration Award
Kindle Edition
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Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
Fractured Shards by Stephen Kok and created by Dan Feuerriegel and Shaun Keenan is a comic book-style graphic novel. Join Detective Vetro as he solves the most horrific and gruesome murders from both worlds of District and the Lights. Being an enforcement officer can be tough enough as it is, but having the power to see exactly how the murders took place in your mind is on another level entirely. Vetro wants justice by blood, but the system is corrupt, leaving Vetro that bit closer to ignoring his higher-ups and reaping justice the way he craves it. This fast-paced comic book will satisfy the needs of any thrill-seeker. Grab a copy of Fractured Shards, and dive into the world of Detective Vetro.
Fractured Shards by Stephen Kok, Dan Feuerriegel, and Shaun Keenan is the first comic book I’ve ever read, and I wasn’t disappointed. The writing was so good that I shared every ounce of adrenalin with Vetro, the main character. The book is action-packed, has you hooked on every page, and I couldn’t take my eyes off it once I’d started. The illustrations by the talented Riccardo Faccini are outstanding and bring the characters to life. This is an amazing comic book that I believe everyone will enjoy. I will certainly be on the lookout for the next book by these innovative creators, as I am eager to know what happens next. I urge anyone with a thirst for graphic novels to check out this story because you will love it as much as I did!
Fractured Shards by Stephen Kok and created by Dan Feuerriegel and Shaun Keenan is a comic book-style graphic novel. Join Detective Vetro as he solves the most horrific and gruesome murders from both worlds of District and the Lights. Being an enforcement officer can be tough enough as it is, but having the power to see exactly how the murders took place in your mind is on another level entirely. Vetro wants justice by blood, but the system is corrupt, leaving Vetro that bit closer to ignoring his higher-ups and reaping justice the way he craves it. This fast-paced comic book will satisfy the needs of any thrill-seeker. Grab a copy of Fractured Shards, and dive into the world of Detective Vetro.
Fractured Shards by Stephen Kok, Dan Feuerriegel, and Shaun Keenan is the first comic book I’ve ever read, and I wasn’t disappointed. The writing was so good that I shared every ounce of adrenalin with Vetro, the main character. The book is action-packed, has you hooked on every page, and I couldn’t take my eyes off it once I’d started. The illustrations by the talented Riccardo Faccini are outstanding and bring the characters to life. This is an amazing comic book that I believe everyone will enjoy. I will certainly be on the lookout for the next book by these innovative creators, as I am eager to know what happens next. I urge anyone with a thirst for graphic novels to check out this story because you will love it as much as I did!
Recommend this book:
The Saga of Evil Monkey Man
Season One
N Blake Seals
2021 Illustration Award
120 Pages
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Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Saga of Evil Monkey Man: Season One is an action and adventure graphic novel written by N. Blake Seals, with art by Butch Mapa. The bucolic nature of the little hamlet nestled on the North Shore of Long Island, Cold Spring Harbor, was disrupted one day by an explosion at the most notorious element of the area, the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Those who were closer to the scene were also privy to a most unusual sight. A gigantic monkey-man dressed in clothes that seemed shredded as a result of a transformation had appeared outside the Lab. He was even now trying to evade the authorities. Would he have time to figure it out? Was there a way to reverse the experiment that had created this man-monkey fusion?
This story is apt to be an irresistible draw to any Long Islander; I know it was for me. Seeing the opening frames showing downtown Cold Spring Harbor brought to mind the night I was first introduced to that marvelous, historic hamlet. Likewise, the flight of the Monkey Man and the motley crew that assembles to assist him out to Montauk and onwards had me revisiting the far eastern reaches of the island in my mind and wondering if it wasn’t time to go back for a visit. If you’re not from Long Island, try the story anyway. You’ll probably end up becoming an honorary Long Islander and planning your own visit in the near future. N. Blake Seals and Butch Mapa do a grand job of making the island real, no small feat considering the constraints of the format and the fantastic elements of the story.
The Saga of Evil Monkey Man: Season One is marvelous, spectacular and so much fun to read. It’s beautifully put together: the art, coloring, storyline, and the result is a professionally designed and created story that’s wacky, entertaining, and filled with fast-paced action. Seals’ characters are well-crafted, and his plot is ingenious and clever. This is one of those reads that makes one experience a pang of regret when it’s over -- but it’s not! There appear to be three more seasons based on the artwork shown at the end of the book. The Saga of Evil Monkey Man is most highly recommended.
The Saga of Evil Monkey Man: Season One is an action and adventure graphic novel written by N. Blake Seals, with art by Butch Mapa. The bucolic nature of the little hamlet nestled on the North Shore of Long Island, Cold Spring Harbor, was disrupted one day by an explosion at the most notorious element of the area, the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Those who were closer to the scene were also privy to a most unusual sight. A gigantic monkey-man dressed in clothes that seemed shredded as a result of a transformation had appeared outside the Lab. He was even now trying to evade the authorities. Would he have time to figure it out? Was there a way to reverse the experiment that had created this man-monkey fusion?
This story is apt to be an irresistible draw to any Long Islander; I know it was for me. Seeing the opening frames showing downtown Cold Spring Harbor brought to mind the night I was first introduced to that marvelous, historic hamlet. Likewise, the flight of the Monkey Man and the motley crew that assembles to assist him out to Montauk and onwards had me revisiting the far eastern reaches of the island in my mind and wondering if it wasn’t time to go back for a visit. If you’re not from Long Island, try the story anyway. You’ll probably end up becoming an honorary Long Islander and planning your own visit in the near future. N. Blake Seals and Butch Mapa do a grand job of making the island real, no small feat considering the constraints of the format and the fantastic elements of the story.
The Saga of Evil Monkey Man: Season One is marvelous, spectacular and so much fun to read. It’s beautifully put together: the art, coloring, storyline, and the result is a professionally designed and created story that’s wacky, entertaining, and filled with fast-paced action. Seals’ characters are well-crafted, and his plot is ingenious and clever. This is one of those reads that makes one experience a pang of regret when it’s over -- but it’s not! There appear to be three more seasons based on the artwork shown at the end of the book. The Saga of Evil Monkey Man is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Family Time
I'm A Star
Brandon Foster
2021 Illustration Award
25 Pages
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Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Nicholus Schroeder for Readers' Favorite
Family Time: I’m A Star by Brandon Foster is a short story about a girl called Simone. She is the second-born child of a family of four. She was the star of her team and was envied by most of her fellow students. But there was one girl called Keisha who was not so taken with Simone as she didn’t understand why everyone adored Simone and thus despised her. Furthermore, Keisha surmised that if she could be friends with her nemesis she could take Simone's place as the school’s most loved student by destroying her reputation with her family, team, and friends. Will Keisha triumph? And if she does, then what will become of Simone? Will she be able to live outside the spotlight?
Family Time: I’m A Star is full of life lessons that are relevant to people of all ages. I was really moved by how Brandon Foster was able to demonstrate just how detrimental a bad friend could be in one’s life. This book opened my eyes to the despair that such people could inflict upon their unsuspecting victims. The pictures found in Family Time: I’m A Star are also a very welcome addition in my opinion, as they help make the whole book even more interesting. The images have a pleasant, warm tone and pop with bright colors. Though this book is a rather short read, it is quite an enjoyable story with much wisdom that I happily absorbed and appreciated.
Family Time: I’m A Star by Brandon Foster is a short story about a girl called Simone. She is the second-born child of a family of four. She was the star of her team and was envied by most of her fellow students. But there was one girl called Keisha who was not so taken with Simone as she didn’t understand why everyone adored Simone and thus despised her. Furthermore, Keisha surmised that if she could be friends with her nemesis she could take Simone's place as the school’s most loved student by destroying her reputation with her family, team, and friends. Will Keisha triumph? And if she does, then what will become of Simone? Will she be able to live outside the spotlight?
Family Time: I’m A Star is full of life lessons that are relevant to people of all ages. I was really moved by how Brandon Foster was able to demonstrate just how detrimental a bad friend could be in one’s life. This book opened my eyes to the despair that such people could inflict upon their unsuspecting victims. The pictures found in Family Time: I’m A Star are also a very welcome addition in my opinion, as they help make the whole book even more interesting. The images have a pleasant, warm tone and pop with bright colors. Though this book is a rather short read, it is quite an enjoyable story with much wisdom that I happily absorbed and appreciated.
Recommend this book:
Astral Evolution
Jay Magnum and Brian Augustyn
2020 Illustration Award
128 Pages
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Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Astral Evolution is a work of comic book fiction with graphic novel illustrations and was created by author team Jay Magnum and Brian Augustyn, and an extensive team of artists. Penned as the exciting sequel to the high-quality Astral Genesis, we find ourselves with Colonol DeVane and a fantastic superhero whose origins make her a princess from ancient Egypt. Evil is afoot in this lavish thriller story that also has plenty of science fiction and true comic book genre hits, including rough and ready heroes versus glamorous wicked types, epic fight scenes and gorgeously drawn heroines who also know how to kick their enemies to the curb.
Stylish and filled with substance, this is another fantastic work from the Astral series team, led by author duo Jay Magnum and Brian Augustyn. Lila was my favorite in this piece: a capable and intelligent glamazon of a woman with plenty of light and dark in her storyline. It was wonderful to see such character development for her and the surrounding cast, and even in the relatively short space of a graphic novel, we can feel attached to these characters and treat them as real individuals with relatable emotions. The art style with line drawings from Ariel Medel is truly stunning, creating dynamic action scenes that add to the complex and intriguing plot of the tale. Overall, Astral Evolution is an excellent addition to the series and an extremely high-quality graphic novel that every fan and collector ought to own.
Astral Evolution is a work of comic book fiction with graphic novel illustrations and was created by author team Jay Magnum and Brian Augustyn, and an extensive team of artists. Penned as the exciting sequel to the high-quality Astral Genesis, we find ourselves with Colonol DeVane and a fantastic superhero whose origins make her a princess from ancient Egypt. Evil is afoot in this lavish thriller story that also has plenty of science fiction and true comic book genre hits, including rough and ready heroes versus glamorous wicked types, epic fight scenes and gorgeously drawn heroines who also know how to kick their enemies to the curb.
Stylish and filled with substance, this is another fantastic work from the Astral series team, led by author duo Jay Magnum and Brian Augustyn. Lila was my favorite in this piece: a capable and intelligent glamazon of a woman with plenty of light and dark in her storyline. It was wonderful to see such character development for her and the surrounding cast, and even in the relatively short space of a graphic novel, we can feel attached to these characters and treat them as real individuals with relatable emotions. The art style with line drawings from Ariel Medel is truly stunning, creating dynamic action scenes that add to the complex and intriguing plot of the tale. Overall, Astral Evolution is an excellent addition to the series and an extremely high-quality graphic novel that every fan and collector ought to own.
Recommend this book:
Astral Genesis
Ivan M. Cohen and Jay Magnum
2019 Illustration Award
128 Pages
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Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Bruce Arrington for Readers' Favorite
Astral Genesis by Ivan M. Cohen and Jay Magnum is a graphic novel dealing with science fiction themes, space aliens, disgraced astronauts, and your typical politicians with huge egos and attitude problems. Our disgraced hero, DeVane, is given a straightforward mission, or so it would seem. But when things go backward, that’s where the action really begins. Add a beautiful super alien into the mix and you have a story. At least here you do. This is a wild, action-packed adventurous romp for those who like alien graphic novels with some predictable parts, but also with some twists. Who is the real good guy and who isn’t? What’s the real plan of the government, and what are the aliens doing? This kept the story moving along at a rapid pace.
The artwork of Astral Genesis is what you’d expect in a Marvel or DC work—it’s that good. The colors and details blend in well with the story’s plot and really bring it to life. The professionalism shows throughout. This graphic novel is geared toward the older reader: I would say teens and above, so parental guidance is strongly suggested for the younger age group. I thought the characters were fleshed out enough so they seemed three-dimensional and believable. Although the story is complete in and of itself with a satisfying ending, there is obviously more to come in these action-packed space adventures. I recommend this graphic novel for those who enjoy fast action space adventures.
Astral Genesis by Ivan M. Cohen and Jay Magnum is a graphic novel dealing with science fiction themes, space aliens, disgraced astronauts, and your typical politicians with huge egos and attitude problems. Our disgraced hero, DeVane, is given a straightforward mission, or so it would seem. But when things go backward, that’s where the action really begins. Add a beautiful super alien into the mix and you have a story. At least here you do. This is a wild, action-packed adventurous romp for those who like alien graphic novels with some predictable parts, but also with some twists. Who is the real good guy and who isn’t? What’s the real plan of the government, and what are the aliens doing? This kept the story moving along at a rapid pace.
The artwork of Astral Genesis is what you’d expect in a Marvel or DC work—it’s that good. The colors and details blend in well with the story’s plot and really bring it to life. The professionalism shows throughout. This graphic novel is geared toward the older reader: I would say teens and above, so parental guidance is strongly suggested for the younger age group. I thought the characters were fleshed out enough so they seemed three-dimensional and believable. Although the story is complete in and of itself with a satisfying ending, there is obviously more to come in these action-packed space adventures. I recommend this graphic novel for those who enjoy fast action space adventures.
Recommend this book:
Sonora Pass
Jaime Olmos
2018 Illustration Award
102 Pages
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Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Sonora Pass is a graphic novel written by Jaime Olmos and illustrated by Kevin Nichols. Who killed Celia after the Jabberwocky Band reunion -- and why did they do it? Celia and Esteban had made plans to start a new life together in California after he finished an engineering job in Montreal where she had been living. At first, the twenty-year reunion of friends and fellow musicians had been brilliant, but Celia had seen something or someone that had startled her while she was performing. When she was found dead in Esteban’s hotel room, the police had no choice but to presume that Esteban’s flight was an admission of his guilt. Jonah, his friend and fellow Jabberwocky member, was determined to use his skills as a private investigator to find out the truth, wherever it might lead him.
Jaime Olmos’ graphic novel, Sonora Pass, is an enthralling sleuth mystery that takes Jonah on a search that goes back twenty years to discover who Celia was and what happened to her. While in graphic novel format, this story is a fully-fledged mystery with compelling, well-developed characters and any number of red herrings for the armchair sleuth to consider. Kevin Nichols’ illustrations are marvelous! Each panel is brightly colored and lushly inked. His skill in portraying facial expressions is masterful, and the amount of work he put into making those characters feel real is impressive indeed. I especially loved his nature art showing Esteban on his bike in the mountains or driving off into the sunset. The scenes depicting Jonah’s visit to Azul in the Huixtlacan Province in Central America are inspired and the railway stations and other architectural drawings are superb. Sonora Pass is an intellectual and visual feast, and it’s most highly recommended.
Sonora Pass is a graphic novel written by Jaime Olmos and illustrated by Kevin Nichols. Who killed Celia after the Jabberwocky Band reunion -- and why did they do it? Celia and Esteban had made plans to start a new life together in California after he finished an engineering job in Montreal where she had been living. At first, the twenty-year reunion of friends and fellow musicians had been brilliant, but Celia had seen something or someone that had startled her while she was performing. When she was found dead in Esteban’s hotel room, the police had no choice but to presume that Esteban’s flight was an admission of his guilt. Jonah, his friend and fellow Jabberwocky member, was determined to use his skills as a private investigator to find out the truth, wherever it might lead him.
Jaime Olmos’ graphic novel, Sonora Pass, is an enthralling sleuth mystery that takes Jonah on a search that goes back twenty years to discover who Celia was and what happened to her. While in graphic novel format, this story is a fully-fledged mystery with compelling, well-developed characters and any number of red herrings for the armchair sleuth to consider. Kevin Nichols’ illustrations are marvelous! Each panel is brightly colored and lushly inked. His skill in portraying facial expressions is masterful, and the amount of work he put into making those characters feel real is impressive indeed. I especially loved his nature art showing Esteban on his bike in the mountains or driving off into the sunset. The scenes depicting Jonah’s visit to Azul in the Huixtlacan Province in Central America are inspired and the railway stations and other architectural drawings are superb. Sonora Pass is an intellectual and visual feast, and it’s most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Max & Charlie
Zack Lieberman
2017 Illustration Award
136 Pages
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Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Ashley Tetzlaff - old account for Readers' Favorite
Put on your mental shoes and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime through the eyes of a little boy and his dog in Zach Lieberman’s latest work: Max & Charlie. Whirl through New York, meet various characters and hear their perspectives on life, from hobo to high fashion lady, from punk troublemakers to “righteous and orderly” New York Police officers. And dashing through all these is little Charlie, whose main goal in life is just to catch his dog, but whose senses are constantly being bombarded by the sights, sounds, and interactions with other humans in this path called life. All these adventures are brought to life in front of our eyes by the marvelously talented Louis Neubert. We switch between our view of the situation and Charlie’s. Beautiful work! Poetry of sight and heart.
When I first saw Max & Charlie, Louis Neubert’s illustrations on the cover really jumped out at me. And the pictures inside the book really pulled me into the first couple pages. Then I really got into Zach Lieberman’s tale and the drawings and story swirled together into an intriguing fusillade of colors and drama. If you choose to pick up this book, you will meet people who are warm-hearted and kind, those who are emotionless and power hungry, those who are too philosophical for earthly good, and those who are so mindful that you can’t help but grasp a new view of life from just a few pages of riding with them. This will definitely made you ponder life in a new way.
Put on your mental shoes and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime through the eyes of a little boy and his dog in Zach Lieberman’s latest work: Max & Charlie. Whirl through New York, meet various characters and hear their perspectives on life, from hobo to high fashion lady, from punk troublemakers to “righteous and orderly” New York Police officers. And dashing through all these is little Charlie, whose main goal in life is just to catch his dog, but whose senses are constantly being bombarded by the sights, sounds, and interactions with other humans in this path called life. All these adventures are brought to life in front of our eyes by the marvelously talented Louis Neubert. We switch between our view of the situation and Charlie’s. Beautiful work! Poetry of sight and heart.
When I first saw Max & Charlie, Louis Neubert’s illustrations on the cover really jumped out at me. And the pictures inside the book really pulled me into the first couple pages. Then I really got into Zach Lieberman’s tale and the drawings and story swirled together into an intriguing fusillade of colors and drama. If you choose to pick up this book, you will meet people who are warm-hearted and kind, those who are emotionless and power hungry, those who are too philosophical for earthly good, and those who are so mindful that you can’t help but grasp a new view of life from just a few pages of riding with them. This will definitely made you ponder life in a new way.
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