Monstress, Vol. 1: Awakening by Sana Takeda

"Set in an alternate world of art deco beauty and steampunk horror, Monstress tells the epic story of Maika Halfwolf, a teenage survivor of a cataclysmic war between humans and their hated enemies, the Arcanics. In the face of oppression and terrible danger, Maika is both hunter and hunted, searching for answers about her mysterious past as those who seek to use her remain just one step behind... and all the while, the monster within begins to awaken..."--Page [4] of cover.

Wow, this took me forever to read. I liked a lot of it (the art, some of the characters, overall atmosphere) but I had some trouble following what was happening. Maybe one day I'll read it again and it'll click.

Merged review:

Wow, this took me forever to read. I liked a lot of it (the art, some of the characters, overall atmosphere) but I had some trouble following what was happening. Maybe one day I'll read it again and it'll click.

4/5 stars

I really enjoyed the art in this, and it was extremely beautiful! I enjoyed the character and the themes, but I often got confused at the world and with the worldbuilding. In many darker fantasy graphic novels that happens for me so idk if it was this one specifically!

Merged review:

4/5 stars

I really enjoyed the art in this, and it was extremely beautiful! I enjoyed the character and the themes, but I often got confused at the world and with the worldbuilding. In many darker fantasy graphic novels that happens for me so idk if it was this one specifically!

Merged review:

4/5 stars

I really enjoyed the art in this, and it was extremely beautiful! I enjoyed the character and the themes, but I often got confused at the world and with the worldbuilding. In many darker fantasy graphic novels that happens for me so idk if it was this one specifically!

I found this too difficult to follow. I don't think the artwork, or the panel scene choices helped to make this a coherent plot

Merged review:

I found this too difficult to follow. I don't think the artwork, or the panel scene choices helped to make this a coherent plot

Maika is a badass heroine, who is fighting her own inner monster to try and find the truth about her past. She doesn't trust anyone, even herself and would do absolutely anything to get her answers and reunite with her only friend Tuya.

There are lots of side characters including humans, witches, monsters, half breeds and cats, but my favorite was definitely Kippa - a cute little arcana child, who is super afraid of Maika and her inner monster but still stays loyal and decides to fight. I just wanted to keep her safe 😊😊

The artwork is absolutely stunning in this book with great detailing for each of the creatures. I also loved the use of certain colors, specifically the combination of black and gold made some panels very beautiful. But, I found the action sequences a little confusing and I, sometimes had trouble figuring out who were fighting.

The plot was also quite complicated and not very well explained, with lots of info dumps in places - but not at the right time. I couldn't really understand the motivations behind different characters' actions and I still don't know the the various kingdoms, their hierarchies or the reason for the war.

The ending was definitely a shocker, which seems to be the trend in all the graphic novels I've read and I guess I will have to read the next one to know what happens next.

Merged review:

Maika is a badass heroine, who is fighting her own inner monster to try and find the truth about her past. She doesn't trust anyone, even herself and would do absolutely anything to get her answers and reunite with her only friend Tuya.

There are lots of side characters including humans, witches, monsters, half breeds and cats, but my favorite was definitely Kippa - a cute little arcana child, who is super afraid of Maika and her inner monster but still stays loyal and decides to fight. I just wanted to keep her safe