Once & Future Vol. 5

Title: Once & Future Vol. 5: The Wasteland

Author: Kieron Gillen, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain

Publisher: BOOM! Studios 2023

Genre: Comics

Pages: 160

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

WIt’s the day before Christmas and the Kings all converge on Excalibur, each determined to be the true ruler. Chaos arises! What if no one has the strength to take the sword? Will there finally be peace after so much conflict, or will an unexpected figure claim the throne? Rituals, bombs, and battles ensue, while the final fate of Mary, Rose, Bridgette, Merlin, and the rest awaits! The incomparable Kieron Gillen (The Wicked + The Divine) and Dan Mora (Detective Comics) deliver the long-awaited conclusion to their Hugo Award-nominated mystical modern take on Arthurian legend! Collects Once & Future #25-30.

And so the story ends! I have loved this series from the beginning and so glad that we have a definite end to the story. All the different threads come together for an epic all-out battle for control of Britain. We get conclusions for all of the characters, but Galahad’s ending was my favorite. Justice for Galahad! We also get a few more nods to classic myths and stories. Overall, I really loved this reimagining of the King Arthur story. Kieron Gillen is definitely one of my favorite modern comic book writers.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Low Low Woods by Carmen Maria Machado

Title: The Low, Low Woods

Author: Carmen Maria Machado, Dani, Tamra Bonvillain

Publisher: DC Black Label 2020

Genre: Comic

Pages: 168

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

There's something in the woods...

Shudder-to-Think, Pennsylvania, has been on fire for years. The woods are full of rabbits with human eyes, a deer woman who stalks hungry girls, and swaths of skinless men. And the people of Shudder-to-Think? Well, they're not doing so well either.

When El and Octavia wake up in a movie theater with no memory of the last few hours of their lives, the two teenage dirtbags embark on a horrifying journey to uncover the truth about the strange town that they call home.

We get shades of Silent Hill and the creepy atmosphere from the real-life Centralia mixed with magic and transformation. Horrifying yet poignant look at the treatment of women and memory. I was confused for the first issue or so, trying to get my bearings in this very strange town. And then I started to suspect that not all the occurrences were random. The truth slowly unfolds over the issues to reveal decades-long horrors. I loved the interjection of the witch to give council, but it’s the two main characters that have to made the ultimate choice for everyone. I imagine that I will be thinking about this short comic for awhile after reading.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Once & Future Vol. 4

Title: Once & Future Vol. 4

Author: Kieron Gillen, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain

Publisher: Boom Studios 2022

Genre: Comics

Pages: 160

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

WAR OF THE KINGS!

Bridgette, Duncan, and Rose, – along with the entirety of Britain – are dragged into the Otherworld. It's a land of predatory monsters and things seem like they can't get any worse.

Of course they can. A rival king rises to confront Arthur, plunging the land into civil war... and both pursue Bridgette, Duncan and Rose as they travel across the land, desperately trying to find a way to return Britain to its senses...

New York Times bestselling writer Kieron Gillen joins Russ Manning Award winning artist Dan Mora, and colorist Tamra Bonvillain present the next chapter in the Hugo and Eisner Award nominated series.

Collects Once & Future #19-24.

Another great collection of issues from this series. The tension is definitely ratcheting up from our last trade. Things are becoming dire and the final war is looming closer and closer. In this volume, we get some maneuvering and more insight into the enemy camps. We also encounter two more story characters, one of which I gasped out loud at the reveal. I really loved the inclusion of Shakespeare and his works. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Once & Future Vol. 3

Title: Once & Future Vol. 3

Author: Kieron Gillen, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain

Publisher: Boom Studios 2020

Genre: Comics

Pages: 160

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

When an ancient helmet at the British Museum is taken, Bridgette and Duncan are confronted by another hero of yore, one who will lead them to facing off against their most formidable challenge yet...a beast and his mother.

Although Bridgette and Duncan stopped Arthur from retrieving the Grail and separated him from the legendary scabbard of Excalibur, the undead King of the Britons still has his sights on returning to our world and returning to power. By inadvertently changing the story of the famous King, Duncan and Gran have thrown the Otherworld into shambles, allowing for new legends and characters to make their appearance - and bring a world of trouble along with them.

But when an ancient helmet at the British Museum is taken, Bridgette and Duncan are confronted by another hero of yore, one who will lead them to facing off against their most formidable challenge yet...a beast and his mother.

New York Times bestselling writer Kieron Gillen (The Wicked + The Divine, Star Wars) and Russ Manning Award-winning artist Dan Mora (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Klaus) deliver the next chapter of the critically-acclaimed series that took the world of comics by storm!

Collects Once & Future #7-12.

Oh I am so incredibly into this comic series. We get appearances from three more story characters and learn more about Merlin and Nimue and Arthur. Lots of action in this volume and lots of gore. Love it! Can’t wait for the next one.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Once & Future Vol. 2

Title: Once & Future Vol. 2

Author: Kieron Gillen, Dan Mora

Publisher: Boom Studios 2020

Genre: Comics

Pages: 160

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

When an ancient helmet at the British Museum is taken, Bridgette and Duncan are confronted by another hero of yore, one who will lead them to facing off against their most formidable challenge yet...a beast and his mother.

Although Bridgette and Duncan stopped Arthur from retrieving the Grail and separated him from the legendary scabbard of Excalibur, the undead King of the Britons still has his sights on returning to our world and returning to power. By inadvertently changing the story of the famous King, Duncan and Gran have thrown the Otherworld into shambles, allowing for new legends and characters to make their appearance - and bring a world of trouble along with them.

But when an ancient helmet at the British Museum is taken, Bridgette and Duncan are confronted by another hero of yore, one who will lead them to facing off against their most formidable challenge yet...a beast and his mother.

New York Times bestselling writer Kieron Gillen (The Wicked + The Divine, Star Wars) and Russ Manning Award-winning artist Dan Mora (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Klaus) deliver the next chapter of the critically-acclaimed series that took the world of comics by storm!

Collects Once & Future #7-12.

Oh I am so incredibly into this comic series. We get appearances from three more story characters and learn more about Merlin and Nimue and Arthur. Lots of action in this volume and lots of gore. Love it! Can’t wait for the next one.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Heathen Vol. 2

Title: Heathen Vol. 2

Author: Natasha Alterici, Charles Martin, Adrian F. Wassel

Publisher: Vault 2019

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Aydis the banished viking sets sail on the open sea to reach Heimdall, the magical entrance to the land of the gods. She’ll need the help of a crew of worldly pirate women and man-eating mermaids to survive the dangerous journey. Back on land, the cursed Valkyrie Brynhild and the goddess of love Freyja are chipping away at Odin’s power, testing the god-king’s patience and tempting his wrath.
Collects issues 5 through 8

Still enjoying this comic series. Although I would like it to move just a bit faster. I’ll be on the lookout for Volume 3.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Heathen Vol. 1

Title: Heathen Vol. 1

Author: Natasha Alterici, Tess Fowler, Tamra Bonvillain, Charles Martin, Rebecca Rutledge, Kristen Grace

Publisher: Vault 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Rating: 45 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Aydis is a viking, a warrior, an outcast, and a self-proclaimed heathen. Aydis is friend to the talking horse Saga, rescuer of the immortal Valkyrie Brynhild, and battler of demons and fantastic monsters. Aydis is a woman. Born into a time of warfare, suffering, and subjugation of women, she is on a mission to end the oppressive reign of the god-king Odin.

Random library pick from this past week. I enjoyed this Norse tale featuring some legendary characters. This volume was pretty short and I really wanted more from it. But, I looking forward to reading the next trade.

Next up on the TBR pile:

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: