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Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Title: Service Model

Author: Adrian Tchaikovsky

Publisher: Tor Books 2024

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 376

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Cover Lover - Cityscape

Where I Got It: Library

To fix the world they must first break it, further.

Humanity is a dying breed, utterly reliant on artificial labor and service.

When a domesticated robot gets a nasty little idea downloaded into its core programming, they murder their owner. The robot discovers they can also do something else they never did before: They can run away.

Fleeing the household they enter a wider world they never knew existed, where the age-old hierarchy of humans at the top is disintegrating into ruins and an entire robot ecosystem devoted to human wellbeing is having to find a new purpose.

Sometimes all it takes is a nudge to overcome the limits of your programming.

I had absolutely no frame of reference going into this book. It was picked for my speculative fiction book club and I just dove in. Right away, I was intrigued by the narration by the robot. The writing took a bit to get used, but it was perfect for the characters and the story. We slowly orient ourselves in the world and attempt to understand what has happened in the manor. Once that is revealed, we begin our quest with Uncharles and slowly piece together the world as it stands. I loved the language, the characters, and the plot. We get a very fresh-feeling robot story wrapped in a post-apocalypse world. We get to see a future destroyed by humans and continued by robots. I loved that we get a big mystery aspect to the story while keeping our robot a robot. While Uncharles has its own thoughts and decisions, it is still a robot with all the logical thinking and inability to really imagine. I found this book to be very refreshing. I cannot wait to discuss this with my book club friends in June.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: Adrian Tchaikovsky, science fiction, Nerdy Bookish Friends, 5 stars, Cover Lover
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 05.16.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 6

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 6

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media 2019

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!

During the Goodwill Event, the Kyoto School's authorities order their students to assassinate Itadori. However, Mahito and a horde of special grade curses and curse users complicate matters by attacking the students. The teachers move quickly to counterattack but find themselves cut off by a barrier. Can the students survive this demonic onslaught?!

Oh no! The students are now in some actual danger due to outside influences. I loved seeing how they figured out the new situation and responded accordingly. I loved seeing the students from both schools come tougher to help each other to dispel the curses. The added complication of the bubble targeting Gojo was a fun wrinkle in their plans. I cannot wait to see how they overcome this obstacle and what it reveals about the characters and the larger mystery.

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

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: comics, manga, horror, Gege Akutami, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 05.14.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 5

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 5

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media 2019

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!

Everyone’s surprised (and not necessarily in a good way) when they find out Itadori is still alive, but there’s no time for a heartwarming reunion when Jujutsu High is in the midst of an intense competition with their rivals from Kyoto! But good sportsmanship doesn’t seem to be in the cards once the authorities decide to eliminate the Sukuna threat once and for all...

We dive right back into the Goodwill Event between Tokyo and Kyoto. We get to see more of the Kyoto students and learn more about their specific techniques and talents. I loved seeing how the different characters’ personalities simultaneously work together and clash with each other. The new relationship between Todo and Itadori is interesting. I wonder what will come of that…

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

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: comics, manga, horror, Gege Akutami, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 05.14.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Stitches by Hirokatsu Kihara

Title: Stitches

Author: Hirokatsu Kihara (art by Junji Ito)

Publisher: VIZ Media 2024

Genre: Horror Short Stories

Pages: 112

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Where I Got It: Library

A tumor shaped like a man’s face slowly moves across a woman’s body. The sea shoots glowing balls into the sky, much to the distress of beachgoers. And a girl dressed up for a holiday has no eyes, no nose, nothing—her face is a total blank.

Hirokatsu Kihara pens true stories of unsolved mysteries, stitched together with page after page of Junji Ito’s original illustrations in this collection of nine eerie tales and a bonus manga story.

We get a short collection of horror stories illustrated by Junji Ito.

Face - Creepy creepy body horror that I love!

Library - Cute little ghost story.

From the Sea - Lacked the horror factor that I wanted.

Festival of the Dead - Low on horror, but a lovely take on ghosts.

The Play - Anything with marionettes is creepy to me.

Folk Dance - Meh.

The Kimono - Creepy kid ghosts are always great.

Snow Day - Not enough horror.

Lips - Weird and lacking a point.

Bonus Manga: Summer Graduation Trip - Actually my favorite story in the collection. This manga story was full on creepy and lovely.

Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: horror, Junji Ito, Hirokatsu Kihara, short stories, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 05.10.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Remina by Junji Ito

Title: Remina

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2005

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 256

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Where I Got It: Library

An unknown planet emerges from inside a wormhole, and its discoverer, Dr. Oguro, christens the body “Remina” after his own daughter. His finding is met with great fanfare, and Remina herself rises to fame. However, the object picks up speed as it moves along in its curious course, eliminating planets and stars one after another, until finally Earth itself faces extinction… Is the girl Remina the true cause of the catastrophe? A masterwork of horror from Junji Ito, unfolding on a universal scale.

Not my favorite of Ito’s stories. This one started interested, but quickly devolved into one long chase scene. I wanted more suspense and creep factor in the story. Instead, I found Remina herself to be a blank piece of paper and Remina the planet was not horrifying enough. I would have liked more time spent exploring the surface of the planet. So not my favorite.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: manga, horror, Junji Ito, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 05.09.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Dissolving Classroom by Junji Ito

Title: Dissolving Classroom

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: Vertical Comics 2013

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 178

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Where I Got It: Library

What destiny awaits them after the screaming?

A pair of twisted siblings—Yuuma, a young man obsessed with the devil, and Chizumi, the worst little sister in recorded history—cause all sorts of tragic and terrifying things to happen wherever they go. These scary short stories will shock you with a literal interpretation of the ills that plague modern society.

We get a collection of stories that focus on a mysterious pair of siblings. The first story really just pushes you into horror and doesn’t let up. I loved some of the stories in this collection. The social commentary was spot on! A few of the stories got a little obscure, but the sheer horror kept me engaged. Overall, I really good mini collection of Junji Ito stories.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: manga, horror, Junji Ito
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 05.08.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Fragments of Horror by Junji Ito

Title: Fragments of Horror

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2014

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 224

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Where I Got It: Library

An old wooden mansion that turns on its inhabitants. A dissection class with a most unusual subject. A funeral where the dead are definitely not laid to rest. Ranging from the terrifying to the comedic, from the erotic to the loathsome, these stories showcase Junji Ito’s long-awaited return to the world of horror.

Another collection of short horror stories from Ito.

Futon - Very creepy with a fun twist at the end.

Wooden Sprit - Meh. Not a fan of the weird sexual nature to this one.

Tomio * Red Turtleneck - Fun and gory, but the ending was weak.

Gentle Goodbye - Very sorrowful story.

Dissection-chan - Jumbled and weird, but not in the good way.

Blackbird - My favorite from the collection, very trippy and creepy.

Magami Nanakuse - Not sure what we were going for with this one.

Whispering Woman - Slow descent into madness.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: manga, horror, Junji Ito, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 05.07.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Tomie by Junji Ito

Title: Tomie

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 752

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Quarter of a Century - 2016

Where I Got It: Library

Tomie Kawakami is a femme fatale with long black hair and a beauty mark just under her left eye. She can seduce nearly any man, and drive them to murder as well, even though the victim is often Tomie herself. While one lover seeks to keep her for himself, another grows terrified of the immortal succubus. But soon they realize that no matter how many times they kill her, the world will never be free of Tomie.

I do love Ito’s Tomie stories. You just know going in that everyone is going to die, even Tomie, and somehow she will come back in some creepy way. Most of these stories were great fun and I enjoyed seeing how Tomie manipulates various people. I will admit that over 700 pages of Toomie stories got a little repetitive. But I still really enjoyed this collection of stories.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: manga, horror, Junji Ito, 4 stars, Quarter of a Century RC
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 05.03.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Shiver by Junji Ito

Title: Shiver

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2015

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 400

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Quarter of a Century; I Read Horror - Frightening Cover

Where I Got It: Library

This volume includes nine of Junji Ito’s best short stories, as selected by the author himself and presented with accompanying notes and commentary.

An arm peppered with tiny holes dangles from a sick girl’s window… After an idol hangs herself, balloons bearing the faces of their destined victims appear in the sky… An amateur film crew hires an extremely individualistic fashion model and faces a real bloody ending… An offering of nine fresh nightmares for the delectation of horror fans
.

As this is an anthology, I’m doing a one sentence review for each story.

Used Record - Meh. Not my favorite, slow and lacking in the horror.

Shiver - Loved this horrifying take on a cursed object.

Fashion Model - Monsters are always a favorite story focus.

Hanging Blimp - My favorite of the collection. This was so disturbing!

Marionette Mansion - Puppets are always creepy; loved it.

Painter - A Tomie focused story. Interesting, but not my favorite of the Tomie stories.

The Long Dream - Weird premise of this one, but I really enjoyed it.

Honored Ancestors - Creepy creepy creepy. Loved the twists in here.

Greased - This one was very gross, even for me.

Fashion Model: Cursed Frame - Yes! A bonus monster story.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: manga, horror, Junji Ito, 4 stars, Quarter of a Century RC, I Read Horror
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 05.02.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 2 Battle Tendency Volume 4

Title: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 2 Battle Tendency Volume 4

Author: Hirohiko Araki

Publisher: VIZ Media

Genre: Manga

Pages: 405

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

The conclusion of the fight against the Pillar Men! It has been a long and perilous journey for JoJo and his allies. Many battles have been fought and many lives lost. Now the final showdown with Wamuu is at hand, and armed with the red-hot desire to avenge his fallen comrade, JoJo faces an evil being so powerful it staggers the mind. Find out who prevails in this explosive finale!

We come to the end of Part 2 and I found myself being over this entire series. I’m not a huge fan of the characters. The art can be confusing when paired with action. And I dislike a lot of the exposition dumps. We are planning on trying to watch the anime version, but I think I am done reading the manga.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 2 Battle Tendency

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

  • Volume 4

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: Hirohiko Araki, manga, fantasy, Finishing the Series, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 04.29.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 2 Battle Tendency Volume 3

Title: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 2 Battle Tendency Volume 3

Author: Hirohiko Araki

Publisher: VIZ Media

Genre: Manga

Pages: 261

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

JoJo and Caesar face their most powerful foe yet—the leader of the Pillar Men! Armed with the ability to create a weapon from any part of his body, he is more than a match for JoJo and his allies. And now that his brethren have fallen, he’s got a score to settle. Prepare for a battle unlike any before!

Another volume where I really liked parts of it, especially the sections involving Caesar, and didn’t love other parts, mostly JoJo. While the first JoJo was arrogant at times, he also understand honor and responsibility. His grandson is just annoying and I found it hard to root for him. The only parts that saved this volume involved Caesar. Loved him!

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 2 Battle Tendency

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

  • Volume 4

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: Hirohiko Araki, manga, fantasy, Finishing the Series, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 04.29.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 2 Battle Tendency Volume 2

Title: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 2 Battle Tendency Volume 2

Author: Hirohiko Araki

Publisher: VIZ Media 1988

Genre: Manga

Pages: 361

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

The battle against evil takes a diabolical twist as more Pillar Men awaken! Now it is up to Joseph Joestar and his new ally Caesar Zeppeli to try and stop their nefarious plan! But these are creatures of unimaginable power, and JoJo and Caesar will have to get a lot stronger to even stand a chance!

Yeah, the story got better! We get to meet a new fun ally with Caesar and a master of hamon Lisa Lisa. Those two really helped round out Joseph’s faults to make him more interesting and likable. I loved seeing the story move to Italy and explore more mysteries of the Pillar Men. We get some really high tension sequences and a big cliffhanger.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 2 Battle Tendency

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

  • Volume 4

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: Hirohiko Araki, manga, fantasy, Finishing the Series, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 04.26.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 2 Battle Tendency Volume 1

Title: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 2 Battle Tendency Volume 1

Author: Hirohiko Araki

Publisher: VIZ Media 1988

Genre: Manga

Pages: 361

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

The beginning of the Battle Tendency Arc! The Joestar family is called upon to do battle against evil again! This time, it’s Joseph Joestar, the grandson of Jonathan Joestar! And his enemies are more powerful and diabolical than ever! Behold! The terror of the Pillar Men!

When started JoJo, I didn’t realize that we would be switching main characters between the parts. Once I recalibrated, I dove into this second part story and hoped to see some fun adventure. I must say that Joseph Joestar was a very arrogant and grating character in this volume. I wasn’t super excited about him, but was interested to see Pillar Man and how he is connected Dio. But the first volume was a bit more lackluster.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 2 Battle Tendency

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

  • Volume 4

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Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: Hirohiko Araki, manga, fantasy, Finishing the Series, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 04.26.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson

Title: Love in the Time of Serial Killers

Author: Alicia Thompson

Publisher: Berkley 2022

Genre: Romance

Pages: 352

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf; Read Around the USA - Florida

Where I Got It: Under the Cover, Kansas City, June 2024

Spice Rating: 4

PhD candidate Phoebe Walsh has always been obsessed with true crime. She's even analyzing the genre in her dissertation—if she can manage to finish writing it. It's hard to find the time while she spends the summer in Florida, cleaning out her childhood home, dealing with her obnoxiously good-natured younger brother, and grappling with the complicated feelings of mourning a father she hadn't had a relationship with for years.
 
It doesn't help that she's low-key convinced that her new neighbor, Sam Dennings, is a serial killer (he may dress business casual by day, but at night he's clearly up to something). It's not long before Phoebe realizes that Sam might be something much scarier—a genuinely nice guy who can pierce her armor to reach her vulnerable heart.

I grabbed this at the retreat last year hoping for a great witty, steamy, slightly dark romance. Instead, we got a very slow-moving, low-steam, traditional romcom romance. I couldn’t really connect to the pairing of Phoebe and Sam. They started out with a silly meet cute, but then went into a holding pattern for most of the book. The story is really focused more on Phoebe and her unease with her life than the romance aspect. It read more like women’s fiction than romance. And Phoebe grated on my at many points in the story. She was just a fairly unlikeable character. I really got bored about halfway through the book. I pushed through, but even the ending did not bring it back up for me.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: Alicia Thompson, romance, Unread Shelf Project, UnRead Shelf Project RC, Read Around the USA, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 04.25.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 1 Phantom Blood Volume 3

Title: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 1 Phantom Blood Volume 3

Author: Hirohiko Araki

Publisher: VIZ Media 1988

Genre: Manga

Pages: 339

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; Books to Movies

Where I Got It: Library

The legendary Shonen Jump series, now available in English for the first time, in a deluxe edition featuring color pages and newly drawn cover art! JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a groundbreaking manga famous for its outlandish characters, wild humor and frenetic battles. A multigenerational tale of the heroic Joestar family and their never-ending battle against evil!

The conclusion of the Phantom Blood Arc! Jonathan Joestar and his mentor Zeppelli continue their pursuit of the villainous vampire, Dio! But to get to him, they must first face down his murderous henchmen! In battle after bloody battle, JoJo and Zeppeli are pushed to their limits and beyond!

And we close out the Phantom Blood story arc. I enjoyed how the story went overall. It was a fun big adventure story between good and evil. But I must say the confusing art panels during action pulled me out of the story sometimes. My biggest complaint is actually that many times throughout the story, the author tells instead of shows. There was weird exposition panels mostly narrated by Speedwagon. With the ending in this volume, I wonder where the bigger story is going to go next.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 1 Phantom Blood

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: Hirohiko Araki, manga, fantasy, Finishing the Series, Books to Movies, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 04.24.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 1 Phantom Blood Volume 2

Title: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 1 Phantom Blood Volume 2

Author: Hirohiko Araki

Publisher: VIZ Media 1987

Genre: Manga

Pages: 319

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

The legendary Shonen Jump series, now available in English for the first time, in a deluxe edition featuring color pages and newly drawn cover art! JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a groundbreaking manga famous for its outlandish characters, wild humor and frenetic battles. A multigenerational tale of the heroic Joestar family and their never-ending battle against evil!

As if Dio wasn't diabolical enough, now he's an immortal vampire with incredible strength! But Jonathan Joestar's not one to back down, even when it seems like victory is impossible! It's a classic battle! Good versus evil! Grit and determination against power and arrogance! Who will win?!

Thankfully we get into the supernatural, bizarreness of this story in this volume. We see the big setup between JoJo and Dio and the beginning of their ultimate fight. We get some random fun characters introduced including Jojo’s random sidekick Speedwagon. I was slightly distracted by some of the art panels. During the high action sequences, the actual workings got a little confusing. We’ll see how this plays out.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 1 Phantom Blood

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

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Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: Hirohiko Araki, manga, fantasy, 4 stars, Finishing the Series
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 04.24.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

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

Finishing the Series 25.png
Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: comics, Matt Fraction, Chip Zdarsky, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 04.23.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

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

Finishing the Series 25.png
Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: comics, Matt Fraction, Chip Zdarsky
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 04.23.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 1 Phantom Blood Volume 1

Title: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 1 Phantom Blood Volume 1

Author: Hirohiko Araki

Publisher: VIZ Media 1987

Genre: Manga

Pages: 245

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

The legendary Shonen Jump series, now available in English for the first time, in a deluxe edition featuring color pages and newly drawn cover art! JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a groundbreaking manga famous for its outlandish characters, wild humor and frenetic battles. A multigenerational tale of the heroic Joestar family and their never-ending battle against evil!

Young Jonathan Joestar’s life is forever changed when he meets his new adopted brother, Dio. For some reason, Dio has a smoldering grudge against him and derives pleasure from seeing him suffer. But every man has his limits, as Dio finds out. This is the beginning of a long and hateful relationship!

I don’t exactly know what I was expecting with this series. But it shows up on all the greatest manga series lists and I had to put it on our list. The first volume was slightly disappointing. I realize that we had to set up the entire series and main characters. But I was expecting the supernatural and the bizarre to have more of a presence. Instead, we get a very slow moving story at first. By the end of the volume, I am still going to keep reading, but I really hope that it gets better.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 1 Phantom Blood

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

Finishing the Series 25.png
Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: Hirohiko Araki, manga, 3 stars, fantasy, Finishing the Series
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 04.22.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

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

Finishing the Series 25.png
Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg sensor.jpg stolen.jpg frankenstein.jpg jujutsu7.jpg alley.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg tombs.jpg black paradox.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg
tags: comics, manga, horror, Gege Akutami, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 04.20.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
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