Monstress Vol. 6

Title: Monstress Vol. 6: The Vow

Author: Marjorie Liu, Sana Takeda

Publisher: Image 2021

Genre: Comics

Pages: 185

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

War has engulfed the Known World, and Maika Halfwolf is at its epicenter. As she and her friends grapple with the consequences of their actions, long-buried secrets and long-awaited reunions threaten to change everything. Join MARJORIE LIU and SANA TAKEDA in the newest volume of this Eisner, Hugo, Harvey, and British Fantasy Award-winning series.

Plus, learn about the happier childhood days of Kippa and Maika in MONSTRESS: TALK-STORIES 1 and 2!

Collects MONSTRESS: TALK-STORIES #1-2 and MONSTRESS #31-35

After six trades of this comic and me trying to keep everything straight, I think that I am giving up. I am just so lost in the story at this point, and I don’t think I care enough to try to find my way. The art is amazing. The storyline is doing me in. I give up.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Monstress Volume 5

Title: Monstress Volume 5

Author: Marjorie Liu, Sana Takeda

Publisher: Image 2020

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 144

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

The long-dreaded war between the Federation and Arcanics is about to explode. Maika must choose her next steps: will she help her friends, or strike out on her own?

Collects MONSTRESS issues #25-30

Another interesting volume in this series. At this point in the story, there are a ton of characters and plot threads. To be a fantastic read, some of those characters and plot threads need to be streamlined. There is just too much at certain points in the series. I did enjoy this volume and can’t wait to see what happens next.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Monstress Volume 4

Title: Monstress Volume 4

Author: Marjorie Liu, Sana Takeda

Publisher: Image 2019

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 176

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

Maika and Corvin make their way through a warped and lethal land in search of Kippa, who is faced with her own terrible monsters. But when Maika comes face-to-face with a stranger from her deep past, startling truths are uncovered, and at the center of it all lurks a dangerous conspiracy that threatens the Known World. Maika is finally close to getting all the answers she ever wanted, but at what price? With war on the horizon-a war no one wants to stop-whose side will Maika choose? Collects MONSTRESS #19-24.

This series just keeps getting weirder and weirder. I’m having a bit of trouble keeping all the different storylines/characters straight within this very complicated world. I did really enjoy following Kippa and her predicament. I’m certain that I will pick up the next volume, but my goodness, this series is intense.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Monstress Volume 3

Title: Monstress Volume 3

Author: Marjorie Liu, Sana Takeda

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 152

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Seasonal Series - Comic

A Hugo and British Fantasy Award-winning series—and current Eisner Award nominee for Best Continuing Series, and Best Publication for Teens, with Marjorie Liu nominated for Best Writer and Sana Takeda nominated for Best Painter and Best Cover Artist! Maika has spent most of her life learning how to fight, but how will she fare when the only way to save her life… is to make friends? Collects MONSTRESS #13-18

This series keeps getting more serious with every trade and I’m totally here for it. I’m fully invested in the story of Maika Halfwolf and the various characters orbiting her. In some ways, I’m more confused than ever about the Old Gods and the various sides and their ultimate goals. But I’m here for the journey to the answers.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Monstress Volume 2

Title: Monstress Volume 2

Author: Marjorie Liu, Sana Takeda

Publisher: Image 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 152

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

The Eisner-nominated MONSTRESS is back! Maika, Kippa, and Ren journey to Thyria in search of answers to her past... and discover a new, terrible, threat. Collects MONSTRESS #7-12

I really enjoyed the first volume in this series, but this one was so much better! Maiko is officially off on her own adventure searching for answers to all kinds of questions. I loved the introduction of many new great characters and even some new species. Plus we get the visit to the mysterious Island of Bones. Very scary! Definitely a series that I am going to continue to read!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Monstress Volume 1

Title: Monstress Vol. 1: Awakening

Author: Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda

Publisher: Image 2016

Genre: Comics

Pages: 192

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: New to Me; Graphic Novel; I Love Libraries

Set in an alternate matriarchal 1900's Asia, in a richly imagined world of art deco-inflected steampunk, MONSTRESS tells the story of a teenage girl who is struggling to survive the trauma of war, and who shares a mysterious psychic link with a monster of tremendous power, a connection that will transform them both. Entertainment Weekly praised MONSTRESS as "one of Image Comics' most imaginative and daring new series" and dubbed it the "Best New Original Series" in their year-end "Best Comics of 2015" list. Collects MONSTRESS #1-6

Picked this one up from the library after hearing great things from other bloggers. I was very impressed by the story and the art. The cells are all very dark, but each one has such detail. I loved the look of the world as well as the costumes on the characters. The intricate costumes are amazing. Very well drawn! As for the storyline, I loved the twist on history and mythology. It took me a minute to get my bearings on time and and place, but it's not a negative. I just like to place all the stories I read in history. Maika is great main character with a mysterious past and motivations. I can't wait to find Volume 2 and continue the story.