Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite

Freedom Within The Heart by Mark Mahon is the story of the Viking invasion of Ireland, and how the Irish clans dealt with that rather unpleasant visit. Mahoun and his brother Brian Boru are the centre of the story, and of course Brian is the hero of the title. And he is indeed a historical figure of Irish history. So this comic is not only entertaining but also a good way to get people interested in that part of history. It's a different kind of historical fiction, and of course has a bit of folklore mixed in.

Apparently, the story behind Freedom Within The Heart by Mark Mahon will be turned into a movie, and I can imagine how this would work quite well. It all starts with the childhood of the two brothers who witness how their parents are brutally murdered by the invading Vikings. That experience leads to them growing into men that will play a vital role in the fight against the invaders. The story is full of action and a fair amount of violence, but it also does not lack moments of emotion and drama and some fun. I thoroughly enjoyed reading page after page, and it taught me something about Irish history that I did not know. I am sure that this kind of format would also be quite valuable to older students for history classes (as traditional history books can be so off-putting).

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

“I hope this book makes at least a small contribution to accurately publicizing the true nature of the young successor, of whom little is known.” Ha Tae Keung.

The Great Successor - Kim Jong Un: A Political Cartoon is a comic book detailing the succession to power of the present North Korea leader, written by Ha Tae Keung, president of Open Radio for North Korea, which broadcasts educational, cultural and personal message programming into North Korea. This book is illustrated by artist Choi Byeong Seon, a researcher at the Global Artists Association and a director of the Korea Cartoonists Association.

Perhaps this is the most serious and thought-provoking comic book that I’ve ever read. Reading or listening to any news about the self-isolated North Korea is sporadic at best. This book gives us insight into the North Korea dictator’s past, present, and the sentiments towards him and his ruling. Readers will also learn about Jong Un’s half older brother, Kim Jong Nam, who was once widely considered to be the next leader of North Korea. Jong Nam’s capitalist nature and his desire for reformation of the country, however, were opposed by his father. His much-publicized botched attempt to secretly enter Japan using a fake passport and visit Tokyo Disneyland in 2001 was his ultimate downfall with his father and North Korea’s elite.

The illustrated feelings of the North and South Koreans regarding the succession give us a rare and informative glimpse into this particular event. All in all, this is a great read and ultimately, the North Koreans are hoping for a better future. Hopefully that day will come soon.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Treadwater is a science fiction graphic novel created by Morgan Rosenblum. The title of the story refers to a select group of freedom fighters in a dystopian version of our own contemporary world. After a global economic collapse, countries of the globe turn inwards to protect themselves, closing their borders to foreigners against the threat of war, particularly as some leaders take it upon themselves to steal and stockpile weapons, allegedly in their own nation’s defence. Led by the charismatic and emotionally damaged Joe, Treadwater is a multi-ethnic and multi-skilled team of talented individuals who undertake thrilling missions to defuse threats of war and desolation before they happen. Along with a series of superb and mind-bending new technologies, the team’s own determination is all that stands between the planet and its own destruction.

Morgan Rosenblum has produced a darkly brilliant graphic novel. Treadwater has everything you’d expect and want in this genre, rebranding some classic superhero archetypes in a gritty, urban world sent into a tailspin by the kinds of threats that are realistic to our own contemporary lives. The art, which I can only describe as an almost photographic watercolour style, brings to life incredible moments of action, but also fiercely emotional scenes, particularly from our central character Joe. The plot and dialogue are edgy and slick, and I found that the more I read, the less I wanted the novel to end. Overall, I’d say Treadwater is a must-read for graphic novel fans looking for an accomplished and flawless new fix.

Reviewed by Kayti Nika Raet for Readers' Favorite

In Angelboy, a manga comic by N.M. Beguesse, Cyrus Michael, a teenager who is murdered within the first few pages, wakes up in a completely different place wearing completely different clothes and budding. . . angel wings? Unable to be seen or heard by anyone and with no one guiding him through his angel after-life, Cyrus strikes out on his own as he attempts to make up for his wasted life. At first he is merely observing, but he quickly becomes more involved as the darkness of humanity reveals itself. The first in a series, Angelboy by N.M. Beguesse is a fast-paced manga with an engaging story and interesting premise.

I read a lot of manga (Black Butler, anyone?) and my sister is a comic artist so I was really excited to read Angelboy. The scenes and background images were very beautiful and gave the reader just the right emotions. The characters were interesting with some being simply drawn and others more heavily detailed. We don't learn much about Cyrus, the main character, only getting vague glimpses of his past which may or may not provide clues about his death. The end of the volume leaves off in a way that says more information (not to mention thrilling adventures) will be provided in volume two. Beguesse shows a lot of potential as an artist and Angelboy promises to be a good read about life, death, and morality with a dash of Shonen Ai to titillate the ladies.