Lady Mechanika Vol. 7

Title: Lady Mechanika Vol. 7

Author: Joe Benitez, Beth Sotelo

Publisher: Benitez Productions 2022

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 106

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Winter TBR; UnRead Shelf

In a Victorian asylum full of grotesque inmates, sadistic guards, and a fanatical doctor, a young lady wakes to find her arms and legs have been replaced with mechanical limbs. But who among this gruesome menagerie is the true Monster of the Ministry of Hell? The origins of the notorious adventuress known as Lady Mechanika!

Collects LADY MECHANIKA: THE MONSTER OF THE MINISTRY OF HELL #1-4

Oooff This was such a hard trade. We finally get to see part of Lady Mechanika’s past; the trauma that she endured as a child. There were a few panels where I literally gasped out loud at the events depicted. So tough! And yet, it was get to explore her background to inform her current life and outlook. Plus we get some important information about a big bad in the universe. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Lady Mechanika Vol. 6

Title: Lady Mechanika Vol. 6: Sangre

Author: Joe Benitez, M.M. Chen, Martin Montiel, Brian Ching

Publisher: Benitez Productions 2020

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: UnRead Shelf; Seasonal TBR

Lady Mechanika accepts a job in Spain protecting a Barón's son who was allegedly attacked by a demonic entity, but she quickly begins to suspect the young man's condition was actually caused by illicit experiments forced upon him by his narrow-minded father. As she investigates further, Lady Mechanika gradually uncovers the sinister truth, leaving her entangled in a dangerous situation which seems to have unexpected ties to her own past. A dark tale that exposes the devastating power of love...and hate. Collects the entire five-issue Sangre mini-series, featuring a main story by guest artist Brian Ching (Supergirl, Star Wars) and a prologue story by Joe Benitez and Martin Montiel.

Oh… this was turned much darker than I thought it would. I really did enjoy seeing Lady Mechanika grapple with a problem that she may not succeed at defeating. Plus we get a call back to a previous character incarnation from another volume. I’m still really loving this series and cannot wait to see what happens next.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Lady Mechanika Vol. 5

Title: Lady Mechanika Vol. 5: La Belle Dame Sans Merci

Author: Joe Benitez, M.M. Chen, Martin Montiel, Beth Sotelo

Publisher: Benitez Productions 2019

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 104

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: UnRead Shelf; Seasonal TBR

Lady Mechanika's investigation into her forgotten past is overshadowed by concern for her associate Mr. Lewis when he becomes enamored of a beautiful and enigmatic young widow, whose own past seems disturbingly linked to the untimely deaths of several creative geniuses. Will Mr. Lewis be next?

Another great volume of comics. I totally predicted where this storyline was going, but it was definitely fun to tag along on the ride.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Lady Mechanika Vol. 4

Title: Lady Mechanika Vol. 4: Clockwork Assassin

Author: Joe Benitez, M.M. Chen, Peter Steigerwald, Mike Garcia, Beth Sotelo

Publisher: Benitez Productions 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 88

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: UnRead Shelf

When a series of brutal murders linked to Mr. Lewis' past leads Detective Inspector Singh to Lady Mechanika's doorstep, the Inspector is finally forced to consider: is Lady Mechanika a crime-fighting hero or a cold blooded killer?

Oooohhhh… this volume was amazing. I loved reading the further adventures of Lady Mechanika. I got really wrapped up in her relationship with Mr. Lewis. I love the interplay between those two. I am also interested in the ongoing involvement of Inspector Singh. I can’t wait to pick up volume 5.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Lady Mechanika La Dama de la Muerte

Title: Lady Mechanika La Dama de la Muerte

Author: Joe Benitez, M.M. Chen, Peter Steigerwald, Mike Garcia, Beth Sotelo

Publisher: Benitez Productions 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 88

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: UnRead Shelf

After suffering a tragic loss, Lady Mechanika takes a trip to a small Mexican village just in time for their Día de los Muertos celebration. But the festivities turn truly deadly after the arrival of the Jinetes del Infierno, the mythical Hell Riders. Collects the complete Lady Mechanika Day of the Dead special, La Dama de la Muerte.

Ooohhh… I love this series so much. And this side adventure was perfect. The art was absolutely amazing. We get the trademark action sequences. Plus we learn just a bit more about Lady Mechanika. I must dive into the next volume quickly.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Lady Mechanika Vol. 3

Title: Lady Mechanika Vol. 3: The Lost Boys of West Abbey

Author: Joe Benitez, Marcia. Chen, Peter Steigerwald, Martin Montiel, Beth Sotelo

Publisher: Benitez Productions 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 64

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Lady Mechanika's investigation into the murders of "undesirable" children in Mechanika City triggers an unexpected reaction from her subconscious self. But are they truly lost memories finally surfacing after so many years, or just simple nightmares? And what connection does the killer have to Lady Mechanika's past? Collects the complete third Lady Mechanika mini-series, The Lost Boys of West Abbey, including extra pages which were not published in the original comic books.

A very short little volume, but full of a great mystery and more insight into Lady Mech’s past. I loved the introduction of the new character, Inspector Singh, as well as another great showing from Mr. Lewis. I definitely need to pick up the next volume in the series.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Lady Mechanika Vol. 2

Title: Lady Mechanika Vol. 2: The Tablet of Destinies

Author: Joe Benitez, M.M. Chen, Martin Montiel, Mike Garcia

Publisher: Benitez Productions 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 160

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

“The Tablet of Destinies holds the secrets of the Universe…he who possesses [it] shall rule the world.” – Sumerian Legend

After a young friend shows up unexpectedly on her doorstep, Lady Mechanika immediately drops everything to come to her aid. They embark on a globe-spanning trek filled with ancient artifacts, secret societies,and scientific curiosities, but Lady Mechanika is eventually confronted with an impossible decision: the life of her friend, or the fate of all humankind.

Set in a fictionalized steampunk Victorian England, a time when magic and superstition clashed with new scientific discoveries and inventions, Lady Mechanika chronicles a young woman’s obsessive search for her identity after a mad scientist’s horrific experiments left her with mechanical limbs and no memory of her past.

This volume was a great blend of Indiana Jones-esque adventure and Doctor Who episode. I loved every single pages of it. Lady Mechanika is the best female protagonist I really enjoyed this story and the big twist of the “Germans” was a hoot. I was a bit disappointed to not see more of Mr. Lewis, but maybe next time…

Next up on the TBR pile:

Lady Mechanika Vol. 1

Title: Lady Mechanika Vol. 1: Mystery of the Mechanical Corpse

Author: Joe Benitez, Peter Steigerwald

Publisher: Benitez Productions 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 160

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Discover a beautifully illustrated steampunk world of airships, monsters, and one courageous but haunted heroine...

The tabloids dubbed her “Lady Mechanika,” the sole survivor of a mad scientist’s horrific experiments which left her with mechanical limbs. Having no memory of her captivity or her former life, Lady Mechanika eventually built a new life for herself as an adventurer and private investigator, using her unique abilities to solve cases the proper authorities couldn’t or wouldn’t handle. But she never stopped searching for the answers to her own past. Set in a fictionalized steampunk Victorian England, a time when magic and superstition clashed with new scientific discoveries and inventions, Lady Mechanika chronicles a young woman’s obsessive search for her identity as she investigates other mysteries involving science and the supernatural.

I had been eyeing this series for awhile and finally picked up the first two trades over Christmas. And I absolutely loved it! We get a complicated yet badass female protagonist. We get some fun shadowy backstory. I loved this particular story featuring a Romani circus, a supposedly dead girl, flashes of more mystery, and some awesome fight scenes. I can’t wait see what happens in the next trade! And I definitely want to see more of Mr. Lewis.

Next up on the TBR pile: