Wayward Vol. 4-5

Title: Wayward Vol. 4 Threads and Portents

Author: Jim Zub, Steve Cummings, Tamra Bonvillain

Publisher: Image 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 132

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

The group is pulled apart, and the hidden mythic worlds of Ireland and Japan are revealed. JIM ZUB (Thunderbolts, Samurai Jack) and STEVEN CUMMINGS (Dead Shot, Legends of the Dark Knight) continue their supernatural spectacle that combines the camaraderie and emotion of shows like Buffy with foreign cultures and fascinating mythological monsters. This volume includes design artwork by artist STEVEN CUMMINGS and new profiles on mythical creatures by monster scholars Zack Davisson and Ann O'Regan.

Such an interesting turn in this volume. I love the connection between Japan and Ireland. Rori's story is fascinating and I love seeing her find her way in this new world. The storyline is fast-paced, as usual, with lots of fun. The art is beautiful. 

Title: Wayward Vol. 5 Tethered Souls

Author: Jim Zub, Steve Cummings, Tamra Bonvillain

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 136

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Japan and Ireland are torn apart by conflict. The new power that defines the modern world rages out of control. JIM ZUB (Avengers, SKULLKICKERS) and STEVEN CUMMINGS (Deadshot, Legends of the Dark Knight) continue their supernatural spectacle that combines the camaraderie and emotion of shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer with foreign cultures and fascinating mythological monsters. This volume includes design artwork by artist STEVEN CUMMINGS and profiles on mythical creatures by monster scholars ZACK DAVISSON and ANN O’REGAN not found in the single issues. Collects WAYWARD #21-25

OH my goodness. I don't even know what to say after the events of this volume. Everything is hanging by a thread and I can't take the suspense. I need to see how this story ends, but alas, I have to wait until the next trade is released (please say fall...). Until then I will revel in the awesome storyline and characters in this volume. So incredibly good! And I must say, I've really enjoyed the small essays in the back with explanations about the monsters, history, and folklore. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

Wayward Vol. 1-3

Title: Wayward Vol. 1 String Theory

Author: Jim Zub, Steve Cummings, John Rauch

Publisher: Image 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Rori Lane is trying to start a new life when she reunites with her mother in Japan, but ancient creatures lurking in the shadows of Tokyo sense something hidden deep within her, threatening everything she holds dear. Can Rori unlock the secrets of her power before it's too late? JIM ZUB (SKULLKICKERS, Samurai Jack) and STEVE CUMMINGS (Legends of the Dark Knight, Deadshot) team-up to create an all-new Image supernatural spectacle that combines the camaraderie and emotion of Buffy with the action and mystery of Hellboy. Collects WAYWARD #1-5.

Wasn't sure what to expect with this series, but I'll try just about anything from Image. Thankfully, this was an amazing start to a very interesting and detailed series. I love the real setting in Japan overlaid with Japanese folklore entities and real modern people. The attention to detail is perfect! And the characters are fun and inviting. Can't wait to see what happens after that crazy last page!

Title: Wayward Vol. 2 Ties That Bind

Author: Jim Sub, Steve Cummings, Tamra Bonvillain, Zack Davisson

Publisher: Image 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 136

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

After the traumatizing finale of volume one, everything has changed for our supernatural teens. Who is Ohara and how does she fit into the great pattern of destiny and power that will change Japan forever? Jim Zub (Conan/Red Sonja, Samurai Jack) and Steve Cummings (Deadshot, Legends of the Dark Knight) continue their supernatural spectacle that combines the camaraderie and emotion of shows like Buffy with Japan's engaging culture and mythic monsters. This volume includes design artwork by artist Steve Cummings and profiles on mythical creatures by noted monster researcher Zack Davisson. Collects Wayward #6-10.

Love that Volume two starts with a whole new character. We get a nice parallel to Rori's introduction and storyline. We get a bit more backstory as to the larger mystery at play. And the big baddies are expanded. My favorite were the dirt spiders. Can't wait to see how they all play into the story going forward. 

Title: Wayward Vol. 3 Out from the Shadows

Author: Jim Sub, Steve Cummings, Tamra Bonvillain

Publisher: Image 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

The new gods of Japan have arrived and a clash with the myths of old will change the country forever. JIM ZUB (Conan Red Sonja, Samurai Jack) and STEVEN CUMMINGS (Dead Shot, Legends of the Dark Knight) combine the camaraderie and emotion of shows like Buffy with Japan's engaging culture and mythic monsters.

Hmmm... well that took an interesting turn. I did not see that twist coming, but maybe I should have. I do love the parallel stories within this volume. And we get a new character, Inaba, who may or may not be trusted. I am loving seeing these traditional monsters come to life. Such fun!

Next up on the TBR pile: