Sex Criminals Vol. 6: Six Criminals

Title: Sex Criminal Vol. 6: Six Criminals

Author: Matt Fraction, Chip Zdarsky

Publisher: Image 2020

Genre: Comics

Pages: 136

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

The grand finale! The big finish! The climax! We speak, of course, about this, the end of the award-winning, boundary-pushing, taste-challenging SEX CRIMINALS. Suze and Jon have sex, stop time, and rob banks. The bank went after them. Now Suze and Jon finish off the bank, the Sex Police, and the bad guys all in one pop, hoping to dodge a huge load of trouble before it explodes in their faces.
Collects SEX CRIMINALS #26-30, 69

Finally this story wraps up and I am just really nonplussed about the entire thing. I loved the conceit and setup of the story, but then it just felt like we wandered around for many many issues. I just couldn’t seem to care about the characters. Oh well, I finished the series.

Sex Criminals

• Volume 1: One Weird Trick

• Volume 2: Two Worlds, One Cop

• Volume 3: Three the Hard Way

• Volume 4: Fourgy

• Volume 5: Five-Fingered Discount

• Volume 6: Six Criminals

Next up on the TBR pile:

Sex Criminals Vol. 5: Five-Fingered Discount

Title: Sex Criminal Vol. 5: Five-Fingered Discount

Author: Matt Fraction, Chip Zdarsky

Publisher: Image Comics 2018

Genre: Comics

Pages: 128

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

Suzie and Jon have that special something—when they have sex, they freeze time and do crimes. Well—they HAD that special something. In the aftermath of what would appear to be a breakup, where do our two love-crazy time-freezing sex-having bank robbers go? REBOUND AHOY! Also everything gets more dangerous and complicated? But it's okay. Collects SEX CRIMINALS #21-25

After the events of volume 4, I was a bit reluctant to continue the series. I was just a bit bored by the schtick. Suzie and Jon seem to be just wandering around the world completely lost. And this volume keeps at it. I just was bored with this. We get some movement of the big mystery plot, but I still felt like I was going through the motions with this one.

Sex Criminals

• Volume 1: One Weird Trick

• Volume 2: Two Worlds, One Cop

• Volume 3: Three the Hard Way

• Volume 4: Fourgy

• Volume 5: Five-Fingered Discount

• Volume 6: Six Criminals

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 4

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 4

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media LLC 2019

Genre: Comics

Pages: 200

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

While investigating a strange set of mysterious deaths, Itadori meets Junpei, a troubled kid who is often bullied at school. However, Junpei is also befriended by the culprit behind the bloody incident—Mahito, a mischievous cursed spirit! Mahito sets in motion a devious plan involving Junpei, hoping to ensnare Itadori as well.

Hmmm…. I really assumed that Junpei would be a character that would hang around for longer in this series. I thought we were going to get a bit more emotional conflict with Itadori and Junpei being on opposite sides. But we quickly get rid of Junpei and focus back on the conflict between Mahito and the Sorcerers. I am interested in the lore that was revealed and how this will play into the larger storyline.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 3

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 2

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media LLC 2018

Genre: Comics

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Tensions are high as the Goodwill Event between the Tokyo and Kyoto campuses of Jujutsu High approaches. But before the competition can even begin, a couple of Kyoto students confront Fushiguro and Kugisaki. Meanwhile, Yuji’s training gets interrupted by a mysterious crime involving grotesque bodily alterations caused by a cursed spirit...

Oh…. I am really getting into this series now. We get to see new characters and lots of plot development. I am very interested to see how the two different jujutsu schools operate and approach the coming crisis. We get a little glimpse of this when the mini showdown between the students, but I just know that more is coming. And then we get the larger curse crisis. I cannot wait to see how the story evolves and how Sukuna plays into everything. We do get some emotional weight with a new character. Let’s see how this plays out.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 2

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 2

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media LLC 2018

Genre: Comics

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna were lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

When a cursed womb appears at a detention facility, Jujutsu High dispatches Itadori and the other first-years to handle the situation. However, the curse they encounter is far stronger than they ever expected! Itadori and friends now have two options: run and maybe live, or fight and die. While they are distracted, powerful curses with mysterious designs on Jujutsu High and Satoru Gojo are gathering…

So much plot was put forward in this volume. We get to see the aftermath of the battle in the detention facility and crucially the fate of Itadori. I’m very much interested in how they work him back into the collection of characters in this and subsequent volumes. Beyond him, we get to learn so much more about curse breaking and the various techniques used by characters. Satoru Gojo is of particular interest. There are so many mysterious hints dropped in this volume. I cannot wait for more to revealed. On to the next volume!

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

Parasyte Vol. 8 by Iwaaki Hitoshi

Title: Parasyte Vol. 8

Author: Iwaaki Hitoshi

Publisher: Del Rey

Genre: Comics

Pages: 

Rating: /5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; Book to Movie

Where I Got It: Library

MONSTER TWIST: Shinichi vows to destroy Goto, one of the deadliest of the alien parasites that have invaded Earth-and people's bodies. But at the moment of truth, Shinichi discovers something unexpected in his heart: sympathy for the monster. Soon Shinichi, who harbors his own alien parasite, will come to a stunning realization about the dark side of human nature-and his own soul. This is the final volume of Parasyte. Includes special extras after the story!

And we finally get to the end. I truly loved how this story ended. It had the emotional weight that I was looking for without being super pessimistic. We get to see Shinichi and Migi really grow and come into their own. They are separate entities, but clearly very connected (and not just physically). We get to see Shinichi take on responsibility for Migi and even for all the parasites. While big comic/manga series are a lot of fun, I really enjoyed how this was a contained story with a conclusion. And now, J and I can watch the anime version.

Parasyte

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Parasyte Vol. 7 by Iwaaki Hitoshi

Title: Parasyte Vol. 7

Author: Iwaaki Hitoshi

Publisher: Del Rey

Genre: Comics

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

ENDGAME: Shinichi is both man and monster. He's an ordinary high school student whose body has been invaded by an alien parasite. And he alone knows a terrible secret: The aliens are plotting the destruction of humankind. Now Shinichi is the target-for both the government and the alien invaders-in a hunt that will lead to a terrifying, bloody showdown. . . . Includes special extras after the story!

Most of this volume is taken up with a large action sequence between Shinichi and a parasite infected human. We get to really ramp up the action sequences and see just how deadly the parasites can be. I was very intrigued by how the stand off with the police and the parasites was going to go. This volume did not disappoint.

Parasyte

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Parasyte Vol. 6 by Iwaaki Hitoshi

Title: Parasyte Vol. 6

Author: Iwaaki Hitoshi

Publisher: Del Rey 1993

Genre: Comics

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

ENEMY MINE: Shinichi has been hiding his true nature from the world: His body has been colonized by an alien being, and now he's half-human, half-alien. The other alien invaders, led by the cruel and beautiful Tamura, have discovered his secret. Shinichi is a threat to their plan to destroy the human race-a threat that these ruthless creatures will no longer ignore . . .

It feels like we really are entering the endgame of this series. We really start to understand exactly what the parasite infected humans are aiming for. And we get to see Shinichi coming to terms with this own “friend.” I enjoyed the discussions that the two of them have. They lend an air of philosophical discussion in between the action sequences. I am very eager to see how this all ends.

Parasyte

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Parasyte Vol. 5 by Iwaaki Hitoshi

Title: Parasyte Vol. 5

Author: Iwaaki Hitoshi

Publisher: Del Rey 1992

Genre: Comics

Pages: 304

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

MONSTER: Shinichi was just an ordinary high school student, until his body was invaded by a parasite, a horrifying alien being. Now Shinichi is a monster with a human face . . . and a human conscience. He is unlike anything else in the world-part man, part alien, and caught in a desperate struggle to save his own soul.

I think we hit the low point of the series. This volume really slows down the story to check-in with the other parasite characters and eventually engage in one big fight. We get a few little scenes of interest between Shinichi and Migi, but mostly, I was just flipping pages to see what happened next. Still fully into this series, but this volume almost felt like a bit of a pause in the storyline.

Parasyte

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 1

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 1

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media LLC 2018

Genre: Comics

Pages: 192

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Although Yuji Itadori looks like your average teenager, his immense physical strength is something to behold! Every sports club wants him to join, but Itadori would rather hang out with the school outcasts in the Occult Research Club. One day, the club manages to get their hands on a sealed cursed object. Little do they know the terror they’ll unleash when they break the seal…

I finally started this series! And it really starts off with a bang! We get introduced to our main characters and the action starts right away. I loved puzzling things out with Itadori and trying to understand the world we’ve been thrown in. The inclusion of our Sensei and other students really helped round out the introduction story. We got a few great action sequences and some world-building in this volume. I cannot wait to continue with this series, and eventually watch the anime.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

Parasyte Vol. 4 by Iwaaki Hitoshi

Title: Parasyte Vol. 4

Author: Iwaaki Hitoshi

Publisher: Del Rey 1992

Genre: Comics

Pages: 287

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

SIXTH SENSE: Shinichi, an ordinary high school student, is the only one who knows that aliens have invaded Earth and are controlling the minds of thousands of unwitting victims. It's a secret too dangerous to share . . . but too big to cover up. Then Shinichi meets Kana, a brave young girl with a strange gift that may allow her to detect the alien parasites. Has Shinichi at last found an ally to combat these creatures?

Another big death in this volume. I was so not expecting that to happen, but really, I guess I should have. Of course we need to keep the story’s tension rising. The parasites keep evolving and are now cooperating. Definitely not a good thing for the strictly human population on Earth. I’m very interested in how Shinichi is changing compared to the other parasite infected. I cannot even imagine where this story is going but I am excited to continue the journey.

Parasyte

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Parasyte Vol. 3 by Iwaaki Hitoshi

Title: Parasyte Vol. 3

Author: Iwaaki Hitoshi

Publisher: Del Rey 1991

Genre: Comics

Pages: 283

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

ALIEN NATION: Aliens parasites have invaded Earth and taken over the minds of ordinary people. Shin has been infected with a parasite, but he still can think and act for himself. Now he's been approached by two mysterious victims of the invasion: Tamiya, a beautiful schoolteacher, and Shimada, another student. What do the aliens want with humanity? and with Shin?

And the story has begun to really get serious with this volume. We get to see how Shin has started to change and how his relationship with Migi has evolved. I love how we get to experience and puzzle out the changes along with our characters. The addition of a new character in Shimada added great tension and suspense. Loved how that chapter ended. Definitely still excited to keep reading.

Parasyte

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Parasyte Vol. 2 by Iwaaki Hitoshi

Title: Parasyte Vol. 2

Author: Iwaaki Hitoshi

Publisher: Del Rey 1991

Genre: Comics

Pages: 288

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

PERSONAL DEMON: Shin looks like an ordinary high school boy, but he has a terrible secret: an alien parasite has infected his body. This mysterious creature is ruthless, deadly, and utterly indifferent to human suffering . . . and it is beginning to assert itself over Shin. As Shin fights for control of his body, can he also hold on to his humanity?

This volume had some terrible gut punches. I was so not expecting the emotional weight in this one. I was flipping pages with an increasing sense of dread that was finally revealed on the page. I am really loving how this story is evolving and changing just as Migi and Shin are evolving and changing. And I’m really enjoying the subtle art involved in the differences between the humans and parasite-infected humans. Guess I’m deeply involved in this series now. And I just realized that there was an anime version of the series.

Parasyte

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Sex Criminals Vol. 4: Fourgy

Title: Sex Criminal Vol. 4: Fourgy

Author: Matt Fraction, Chip Zdarsky

Publisher: Image Comics 2017

Genre: Comics

Pages: 136

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

Everybody's favorite sex-having, time-freezing, bank-robbing crew of lovable love-misfits come together and ask themselves the big question: are we still into this? THE ANSWER MIGHT SURPRISE YOU (if you think the answer is no). Collects SEX CRIMINALS #16-20

I’m feeling very meh about this series right now. There are a few elements that I enjoy, such as the humor and comedy. But, I’m kinda bored with the main storyline. I feel like this story is getting too complicated and straying away from the clever premise. I’m still going to keep reading (there’s only two more trades), but I’m not super into it right now. I’m more interested in my manga series right now.

Sex Criminals

• Volume 1: One Weird Trick

• Volume 2: Two Worlds, One Cop

• Volume 3: Three the Hard Way

• Volume 4: Fourgy

• Volume 5: Five-Fingered Discount

• Volume 6: Six Criminals

Next up on the TBR pile:

Sex Criminals Vol. 3: Three the Hard Way

Title: Sex Criminal Vol. 3: Three the Hard Way

Author: Matt Fraction, Chip Zdarsky

Publisher: Image Comics 2016

Genre: Comics

Pages: 132

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

So it turns out Jon and Suzie aren't alone — other people around the world, like them, freeze time when they climax. A self-appointed group wants to regulate and control them through fear and intimidation. Jon and Suzie are falling in love and want their freak flags to fly, but if they're going to fight back they can't do it alone. And really, isn't that a metaphor for the whole series? That we might all be alone but we're all alone together? I think so. If you read only one comic with a semen-demon in it this year, please make it SEX CRIMINALS V3: THREE THE HARD WAY. Collecting issues #11-15.

Oh my goodness! The fairy! Absolutely killed me in this volume. To be honest, most of the storyline, I flipped through pretty fast. But I had to stop and laugh out loud at the appearance of the fairy. I did appreciate that Ana and Suzie made peace with each other. I must say that I don’t really care about Rach and Robert at all. But that’s okay. I will keep reading.

Sex Criminals

• Volume 1: One Weird Trick

• Volume 2: Two Worlds, One Cop

• Volume 3: Three the Hard Way

• Volume 4: Fourgy

• Volume 5: Five-Fingered Discount

• Volume 6: Six Criminals

Next up on the TBR pile:

Sex Criminals Vol. 2: Two Worlds, One Cop

Title: Sex Criminal Vol. 2: Two Worlds, One Cop

Author: Matt Fraction, Chip Zdarsky

Publisher: Image Comics 2015

Genre: Comics

Pages: 128

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

The second storyline from the Eisner-award winning SEX CRIMINALS finds the honeymoon to be over for Jon and Suzie. Once the thrill of new lust fades, where do you go? Come along and laff and love with Matt and Chip as they brimp back ceaselessly against the past. Collects SEX CRIMINALS # 6-10.

I’m still interested in this series, but my goodness, Suzie and Jon cannot catch a break. We get more information about some of the other characters, and meet more people that our main characters know. I appreciate the expansion of the world and cast of characters. But the best part was the ridiculous background art. It made me laugh multiple times. I just hope that we really make some headway in the storyline in the next volume.

Sex Criminals

• Volume 1: One Weird Trick

• Volume 2: Two Worlds, One Cop

• Volume 3: Three the Hard Way

• Volume 4: Fourgy

• Volume 5: Five-Fingered Discount

• Volume 6: Six Criminals

Next up on the TBR pile:

Sex Criminals Vol. 1: One Weird Trick

Title: Sex Criminal Vol. 1: One Weird Trick

Author: Matt Fraction, Chip Zdarsky

Publisher: Image Comics 2014

Genre: Comics

Pages: 128

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

Suzie's just a regular gal with an irregular gift: when she has sex, she stops time. One day she meets Jon and it turns out he has the same ability. And sooner or later they get around to using their gifts to do what we'd ALL do: rob a couple banks.

Another comic series that came up as a recommendation and I had to check out. We dive into a very weird story involving a lot of adult conversations and situations. And yet, there is a huge amount of humor and tongue-in-cheek dialogue. I loved see two misfit characters find each other and then discovery each other’s secrets. The sections where the main characters talked directly to the audience were such fun moments. I am interested to see what happens next in the story.

Sex Criminals

• Volume 1: One Weird Trick

• Volume 2: Two Worlds, One Cop

• Volume 3: Three the Hard Way

• Volume 4: Fourgy

• Volume 5: Five-Fingered Discount

• Volume 6: Six Criminals

Next up on the TBR pile:

Parasyte Vol. 1 by Iwaaki Hitoshi

Title: Parasyte Vol. 1

Author: Iwaaki Hitoshi

Publisher: Del Rey 1990

Genre: Comics

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

SILENT INVASION: They arrive in silence and darkness. They descend from the skies. They have a hunger for human flesh. They are everywhere. They are parasites, alien creatures who must invade-and take control of-a human host to survive. And once they have infected their victims, they can assume any deadly form they choose: monsters with giant teeth, winged demons, creatures with blades for hands. But most have chosen to conceal their lethal purpose behind ordinary human faces. So no one knows their secret-except an ordinary high school student. Shin is battling for control of his own body against an alien parasite, but can he find a way to warn humanity of the horrors to come?

Another fun manga series that’s been on my radar for awhile and I finally started. I was intrigued by the alien horror premise and dove in without knowing much more than that. Overall, I really enjoy this first volume where we meet Shin and his new “friend.” We see the duo attempt to navigate life but then others come into play. I loved seeing how the “friend” and Shin interacted. The horror aspects were light and yet a whole lot of fun. I’m excited to see how the next volume moves the story and the horror forward.

Parasyte

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile: