Siah

INVINCIBLE: ULTIMATE COLLECTION, VOL. 1 by ROBERT KIRKMAN ★★★★½Nowadays, it can be a bit scary to jump into superhero comics. There's Marvel and DC, of course, but with so many titles and crossovers and tie-ins, you'd wonder where you should start. If you'd rather start somewhere that's not heavily loaded in an already-established universe, and if you want to read a comic that doesn't really take itself seriously (and even pokes fun at the superhero genre), then definitely check out Invincible. Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead, has created what many consider to be “the best superhero comic out there right now.” And in some sense, I have to agree. Invincible is a superhero title unlike any other superhero story. You don't have to worry about having to find another series to read to fill in gaps or find the latest issue in a crossover series to deepen your knowledge about Invincible. Everything you need to know will be in this book. Full of great characters, a relatable protagonist, and a story that starts off a bit slowly but then grabs hold of you and takes off. The last four issues in this ultimate collection really make you question the characters and story you know, but once you're hooked, you're hooked. I don't want to spoil much. Just go out and read this book!

MS. MARVEL VOL. 2 by G. WILLOW WILSON ★★★★★Here is the conclusion of Kamala's first big adventure in the Marvel Universe! Collected are issues #12-19, and from the first eleven issues, I was left wondering what new things would come up for Kamala. Yet, G. Willow Wilson raises the stakes and puts Kamala in challenging situations that unfold more of her story and the mythology that she's become entangled in (again, see Inhumans for more). From a mystery love interest, to the Inhumans and New Attilan, to Ms. Marvel struggling to balance the life of a superhero and a normal teenager, this volume offers more of what fans have already been introduced to in the first volume: laughs, heart, wit, and some pain. The last few issues in this volume were bittersweet, due to the involvement with Secret Wars, and even if you were to read this after the Secret Wars event, you still feel the weight of the world on Kamala and she struggles to be someone that she thinks everyone needs. Even in the last few pages of the volume, Kamala realizes what it means to be a superhero, and that's what makes her character so powerful and relatable. I can't wait to start on her new adventures post-Secret Wars! Ms. Marvel is a character everyone should be paying close attention to. She may surprise all of us in the future.

MS. MARVEL VOL. 1 by G. WILLOW WILSON ★★★★★If you're new to Marvel comics and you're trying to find a jumping-on point, this is a great book to start with. Here is the classic coming-of-age story for a heroine who didn't expect her life to take a wild turn. Kamala Khan is a wonderful and relatable character, set with lovable friends and family, with a new outlook on life after encountering the Terrigen Mist (for more on that, look up the Inhumans). This story really looks into the life of a modern Pakistani-American teenager living with devout Muslim parents against the backdrop of Jersey City. The opening chapter in Kamala's life is so rich in just eleven issues that it's amazing to think that there are eight more issues in this current volume. There's a definite beginning, middle, and end in this book, and it wraps up just nicely. In today's current Marvel line-up, Kamala's becoming a staple character alongside fan favorites Miles Morales and Sam Alexander. I can't wait to see these three grow up in the Marvel Comics Universe, and I'm still waiting on the day we can see these characters fully realized in the cinematic universe.

It took me months to finish this book because of school (I haven't even been writing as much because of the semester) but I've finally finished the book. Honestly, this is my favorite Star Wars book in the new canon. Granted, this is the second Star Wars book I've read in both new canon and legends, so I'm a bit biased, but there are obvious reasons as to why I think it's one that people trying to get into Star Wars books should read. Not only does Claudia Gray know the world of Star Wars, but she's literally breathing it as she brings Thane and Ciena to life. Set against the backdrop of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi, the novel doesn't blatantly scream Star Wars, like some books and comics can. Instead, it reads like a natural romance story that just happens to be set in the Star Wars universe. The character cameos were great, and I grinned every time I saw a familiar name. The clues that set up The Force Awakens are also great, and it's one that I was not expecting, but when it clicked, my mouth was literally hanging open. If you're stuck on which book to start with in the new canon, start with this one. You won't be disappointed.

4.5/5 Stars!

First Book of 2016! Also, my first Star Wars book ever! This is truly the definition of a “movie-to-book” adaptation, which you don't normally see with these mainstream young adult-aimed series. But that doesn't mean the book wasn't great. It was great being able to see how the movie translated into book form, as well as the extra scenes that weren't included in the movie (some of which I believe should've been in the movie to tie a few loose ends). I actually listened to the audiobook version of the book, narrated by Marc Thompson, who makes the story just as entertaining as it would be if you had the book in front of you. His impersonations of the characters were good to only be from him (though I feel like the character of Snoke was voiced by someone else; if not, Marc was really great at that!). I'd definitely recommend the book to Star Wars fans, whether they're new to the saga or have been around since 1977. While the book is not the best written, it's still an entertaining read and it keeps you on the edge of your seat, waiting for more.

I was really interested in this book a few weeks ago and couldn't wait to get my hands on it. It was recommended by a guy named Hector (@hectorisfunny on Instagram and Twitter, also a host on Superhero News on YouTube) who is a major fan of the series, and since I wanted to dive more into comics without relying heavily on the Marvel and DC standards, I decided to give this one a shot. I've been reading a few indies here and there, and they've been really great. This one doesn't disappoint either. It's a superhero comic book, but then again, it's more than just that. It's really a coming-of-age story about a young guy becoming a hero. Mark Grayson is a great protagonist, and his story is different, but still comic book-y in a sense. I think that's also another strength–that the story doesn't take itself too seriously. It's very self aware, knowing that it's a comic book. That's what makes it great.

I didn't really have any cons. If I did have to say something, I would say that sometimes in the issues, the story would shift scenes rather quickly. I thought I was missing a few pages while I was reading, but I soon realized that the story just jumped around and caught on. This volume was a great introduction. Not the strongest beginning by far, but it'll hook you. I can't wait to get the next volumes.

So can this series get an animated television show, a la the likes of Avatar: The Last Airbender? Or at least Attack on Titan? Seriously, this series is great from the start. Unique, captivating, with a lovable protagonist in the middle of a major conflict. The series is a fun adventure, combined with a societal and philosophical approach about what it means to be human. Apparently there have been talks about a movie adaptation being made, but I doubt if anything's confirmed as of yet. I just want more. It was really great. Pick it up if you can. You'll love it.

A surprising story after all...

I'm not the biggest fan when it comes to strictly romance novels. I'm more into stories that incorporate romance but don't make it the biggest focus of the novel. However, picking up Eleanor & Park was a shock to me, even though I did it willingly. I'd heard about Fangirl and Rainbow Rowell and was somewhat interested in her work, so I decided to get a library copy of the novel. Now I wish I had my own copy.

For starters, I loved the fact that the novel took place in 1986. Call me a sucker for eighties teen films, but that aspect of the novel definitely hooked me. It also reminded me of The Perks of Being A Wallflower, which is one of my favorite YA novels (and book-to-film adaptations). I also loved the characterizations of Eleanor and Park. They weren't your typical couple that you find in most romance stories. They were complicated and got in the way of their happiness, but then found ways to work around their problems for the sake of love.

I was definitely shocked by the ending (which I won't spoil if you're reading this as someone who's trying to decide whether to read the book or not). It's something that I didn't expect, and when it happened, I was just hoping that Rowell would do a complete 180. It was a really great ending, I just have feels about it. Now for some pros and cons...

Pros:
1. Eleanor and Park as characters. They kept the story interesting. This is definitely a character-driven novel.
2. How Eleanor and Park bond. Reminds me of Perks, but the way Rowell writes it is just perfect.
3. Their relationship isn't rushed. I'll just leave it there. It feels organic.
4. The friendships and familial relationships in the novel were great. I definitely loved the relationship between Park and his mom.

Cons:
1. I only had one con, being that I didn't know exactly when Eleanor and Park got together. I mean, their relationship was great in the story, I just didn't feel that transition from acquaintances to friends to love interests. I even went back through to see when that exact moment was. I guess you could just use the context clues and connect the pieces. That was really my only con. If someone can pinpoint the exact moment, they could let me know! I know it's all subjective, but if you have an idea, feel free to fill me in.

At the end of it all, I'd give Eleanor & Park a 4/5. Not entirely perfect, due to some slow moments and how the main issue was resolved, but still a great read!

I gave it three stars because it's the last book in the trilogy and it was somewhat enjoyable. But in the end, I couldn't get through the lack of actual conflict, the writing, and just the blandness of it all. I ended up reading the book's entire summary and still have no desire to finish the rest of it any time soon.

Having watched the show before finishing the book, I knew ahead of time that not much would be different in terms of the plot. It was still nice to sit down and spend some more time with the world as the story opened up. Miller's POV is definitely the stronger of the two since his follows a more formulaic structure, but Holden's POV has its highlights. The world is fully realized and feels like a future that I could see humans embarking on in a couple hundred years. The characterization felt slightly flat for the most part, but there was enough to go off of to get a feel for each character; this is something I think the show did a little better, but visual media has that added benefit. Had I not seen the show beforehand, my opinions may be a little different. All in all, a good start to a series that I plan on finishing in the coming year, hopefully in time for the final book.