The One Hundred Nights of Hero by Isabel Greenberg

Title: The One Hundred Nights of Hero

Author: Isabel Greenberg

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 224

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love

In the Empire of Migdal Bavel, Cherry is married to Jerome, a wicked man who makes a diabolical wager with his friend Manfred: if Manfred can seduce Cherry in one hundred nights, he can have his castle -- and Cherry.

But what Jerome doesn't know is that Cherry is in love with her maid Hero. The two women hatch a plan: Hero, a member of the League of Secret Story Tellers, will distract Manfred by regaling him with a mesmerizing tale each night for 100 nights, keeping him at bay. Those tales are beautifully depicted here, touching on themes of love and betrayal and loyalty and madness.

As intricate and richly imagined as the works of Chris Ware, and leavened with a dry wit that rivals Kate Beaton's in Hark! A Vagrant, Isabel Greenberg's One Hundred Nights of Hero will capture readers' hearts and minds, taking them through a magical medieval world.

Random comic recommendation from Goodreads that actually landed for me. This is a remix of the story of Scheherazade with added influences for other cultures. There’s an element of feminist rage that I really enjoyed. The stories and legends are inset into the larger story of Cherry and Hero. I loved seeing elements of other well-known and some other not-so-well-known stories.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Love Everlasting Vol. 1 and Vol. 2

Title: Love Everlasting Vol. 1

Author: Tom King, Elsa Charretier

Publisher: Image Comics 2023

Genre: Comics

Pages: 136

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

From multiple Eisner Award winning writer Tom King and up-and-coming artist Elsa Charretier comes the first volume of a thrilling, genre-bending romance/horror mashup. Joan Peterson discovers that she is trapped in an endless, terrifying cycle of “romance”—a problem to be solved, a man to marry—and every time she falls in love she’s torn from her world and thrust into another tear-soaked tale. Her bloody, time-looping journey to freedom and revelation begins in this breathtaking, groundbreaking debut volume. Collects Love Everlasting #1-5. 

Absolutely trippy. It took me multiple pages to get a handle on what exactly was happening in this story. The reader is thrust into confusion just like Joan as she begins to live multiple realities. This volume is weird and trippy and exactly what I want in my horror comics.

Title: Love Everlasting Vol. 2

Author: Tom King, Elsa Charretier

Publisher: Image Comics

Genre: Comics

Pages: 136

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges

The mind-bending story of Joan Peterson's journey through love and horror continues in the second epic and heartbreaking arc of this critically acclaimed, Harvey-nominated series. After traveling from romance to romance, Joan finds herself trapped inside just one story, growing older with the love of her life instead of escaping again and again. And as she becomes a wife, a mother, a grandmother, she is on a bloody quest to discover if everyone in this new world is insane, or if she alone is broken.

Collects Love Everlasting #6 - #10

And we get to the conclusion of this story. It ended up not being my favorite, but I did enjoy the story. There was a bit too much meandering in the storyline.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Confetti Realms

Title: Confetti Realms

Author: Nadia Shammas, Karnessa

Publisher: Maverick 2023

Genre: YA Graphic Novel

Pages: 196

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love

Follow the story of four New Jersey teens who, after breaking into a cemetery on Halloween, get transported to a strange and fantastical world by a mysterious automaton named Tom. When Tom sends them on a quest to gain him entry to a party at the end of the world, our unlikely (and mostly unwilling) heroes will have to navigate murderous frogs, an insect orchestra, and the cracks in their own friendships.

Found this slim graphic novel on a library list for Fairy Tale books. I grabbed it and sped through in an afternoon. This is a beautiful little story about finding your joy and accepting who you are. We get four friends (well, almost friends) who are navigating identity and community. They get thrown into another world which heightens all their feelings. I loved the magical take on finding yourself. And some the side character are utterly delightful.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Preacher Vol. 1

Title: Preacher Vol. 1: Gone to Texas

Author: Garth Ennis, Steve Dillon

Publisher: Vertigo 1996

Genre: Horror

Pages: 336

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fall TBR

Jesse Custer was just a small-town preacher in Texas... until his congregation was flattened by powers beyond his control and the Preacher became imbued with abilities beyond anyone's understanding.
 
Now possessed by Genesis—the unholy coupling of an angel and demon—Jesse holds Word of God, an ability to command anyone or anything with a mere utterance. And he’ll use this power to hold the Lord accountable for the people He has forsaken.
 
From the ashes of a small-town church to the bright lights of New York City to the backwoods of Louisiana, Jesse Custer cuts a righteous path across the soul of America in his quest for the divine—an effort that will be met by every evil that Heaven and Earth can assemble. Joined by his gun-toting girlfriend, Tulip, and the hard-drinking Irish vampire, Cassidy, Jesse will stop at nothing to fulfill his quest to find God.

The creative powerhouse team of Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon bring readers on a violent and riotous journey across the country in this award-winning Vertigo series, beginning with Preacher Book One. Collects issues #1-12.

We started watching the television series, so I wanted to go back and read the comic series. The two are very different stories. I can’t quite seem to really love this volume. The stories have a choppy quality that I’m not a huge fan of. The casual racism and misogyny, while probably accurate to the time and place, is very grating. Tulip is kinda a terrible character and I really wish she grows and develops throughout the rest of the series, but I don’t hold out a lot of hope. Truly, my favorite character of the bunch is Cassidy. He’s at least very interesting in both the comic and the television show. I imagine that I will continue reading this series, albeit at a slow pace.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Eat the Rich by Sarah Gailey

Title: Eat the Rich

Author: Sarah Gailey, Pius Bak, Roman Titov

Publisher: BOOM! Studios 2021

Genre: Comics

Pages: 128

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

WELCOME TO CRESTFALL BLUFFS! With law school and her whole life ahead of her, Joey plans to spend the summer with her boyfriend Astor at his seemingly perfect family home. But beneath all the affluent perfection lies a dark, deadly rot… something all the locals live in quiet fear of. As summer lingers, Joey uncovers the macabre history of Crestfall Bluffs, and the ruthlessness and secrecy lying in wait behind the idyllic lives of the one percent. Who can Joey save? Who wants to be saved? And can she even survive to tell the tale? The bold, horrifying psychological thriller from Hugo Award-winning author Sarah Gailey (The Echo Wife, Magic For Liars) and artist Pius Bak (Firefly, The Magicians) with colorist Roman Titov and letterer Cardinal Rae. Collects Eat the Rich #1-5.

Creepy little story where I think it’s going to one way and it goes another. I’ve really become a fan of Sarah Gailey’s work in the past few years. It’s great to see them try something a little different with a graphic novel. I sped through this slim volume in an afternoon simultaneously horrified by the contents and wanting to know more. Very gory commentary of our society and I really enjoyed it.

Next up on the TBR pile:

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:

Lore Olympus Vol. 4 by Rachel Smythe

Title: Lore Olympus Volume 4

Author: Rachel Smythe

Publisher: Del Rey 2023

Genre: Fantasy Comic

Pages: 416

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

“I don’t always get to do as I please.”
 
The rumor mill of Olympus is constantly churning, but Persephone and Hades are all anyone can talk about. With the constant gossip creating intense pressure on the pair, they decide to slow down their budding romance and focus on sorting out their own issues first.
 
But that’s easier said than done. 
 
Hades struggles to find support in his personal life, with Zeus trivializing his feelings and Minthe resorting to abusive patterns in their relationship. And while Hades tries to create healthier boundaries where he can—like finally putting a stop to his sporadic, revenge-fueled hookups with Hera—he still feels lonely and adrift.
 
Persephone feels equally ostracized as her classmates shun her for her connection to Hades, and she can find no refuge at home, with Apollo constantly dropping by unannounced and pushing his unwelcome advances. And on top of it all, the wrathful god of war, Ares, has returned to Olympus to dredge up his sordid history with the goddess of spring, threatening to surface Persephone’s dark and mysterious past and ruin her tenuous position in the land of the gods. 
 
Despite agreeing to take it slow, Persephone and Hades find themselves inextricably drawn toward each other once more amid the chaos. The pull of fate cannot be denied.
 
This edition of Rachel Smythe’s original Eisner-winning webcomic Lore Olympus features exclusive behind-the-scenes content and brings the Greek pantheon into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.

Oh I am obsessed with this series! I just love this fresh take on the Hades and Persephone story. Even more than their story, all of the side characters really make it the best ensemble story. In this volume, we get to see much much more from Hera and Zeus as well as meet Ares. I love how the story has organically been told. It doesn’t feel like the reveals or forced, but naturally come to light because of conversations between characters. I cannot wait to see what happens. And when exactly are Hades and Persephone actually going to own up to their feelings?

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Changeling King by Ethan M. Aldridge

Title: The Changeling King (Estranged #2)

Author: Ethan M. Aldridge

Publisher: HarperCollins 2019

Genre: Comics

Pages: 256

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

After years of pretending to be human, the changeling Edmund Carter has assumed his rightful role as Cinder, king of the World Below. But not everyone at the royal palace is happy about his return.

Meanwhile, Ed is adjusting to human life in the World Above. His birth family treats him with a kindness he never knew growing up in the Fay court, but Ed misses the sense of purpose he had as a knight.

When a mysterious new threat emerges in the World Below, Cinder must call on Ed and their older sister, Alexis, for help. But nothing can prepare them for the family secret that awaits at the end of their perilous quest.

And with this volume, we get a conclusion to the story of how Cinder and Ed find their places in the above and the below. Another great story with great characters. More great art to admire. And quite a cliffhanger to the end of this volume. But it was so incredibly enjoyable to read.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Estranged by Ethan M. Aldridge

Title: Estranged (Estranged #1)

Author: Ethan M. Aldridge

Publisher: HarperCollins 2018

Genre: Comics

Pages: 224

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

Edmund and the Childe were swapped at birth. Now Edmund lives in secret as a changeling in the World Above, his fae powers hidden from his unsuspecting parents and his older sister, Alexis. The Childe lives among the fae in the World Below, where being a human makes him a curiosity at the royal palace.

But when the cruel sorceress Hawthorne seizes the throne, the Childe and Edmund must unite on a dangerous quest to save both worlds—even if they’re not sure which world they belong to.

I cannot remember exactly where I heard about this particular comic, but it ended up on my holds list. I thoroughly enjoyed this twist on the fairy changeling story. We get a fun mix-up and a royal coup all in one volume. The art was colorful yet crisp. The character were a lot of fun and the action sequences full of suspense.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Beautiful Darkness by Fabien Vehlmann and Kerascoët

Title: Beautiful Darkness

Author: Fabien Vehlmann and Kerascoët

Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly 2014

Genre: Comics

Pages: 94

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

Newly homeless, a group of fairies find themselves trying to adapt to their new life in the forest. As they dodge dangers from both without and within, optimistic Aurora steps forward to organize and help build a new community. Slowly, the world around them becomes more treacherous as petty rivalries and factions form.

Beautiful Darkness became a bestseller and an instant classic when it was released in 2014. This paperback edition of the modern horror classic contains added material, preparatory sketches, and unused art. While Kerascoët mix gorgeous watercolors and spritely cartoon characters, Fabien Vehlmann takes the story into bleaker territory as the seasons change and the darkness descends. As with any great horror, there are moments of calm and jarring shocks while a looming dread hangs over the forest.

Not quite sure what I just read, but it was just horrifying enough that I found myself riveted to the pages. The horror takes a few pages to really present itself, but then we are off and running. I was really rooting for Aurora the entire time, hoping that she would be able to overcome the myriad obstacles in her path. This is a very quickly little horror comic that was an instant hit for me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Dollhouse Family

Title: The Dollhouse Family

Author: M.R. Carey, Peter Gross, Vince Locke, Chris Peter

Publisher: DC Black Label

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 144

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Winter TBR

On Alice's sixth birthday, her dying great-aunt sent her the birthday gift she never knew she always wanted: a big, beautiful 19th-century dollhouse, complete with a family of antique dolls. In no time at all, the dollhouse isn't just Alice's favorite toy...it's her whole world. And soon, young Alice learns she can enter the house to visit a new group of friends, straight out of a heartwarming children's novel: the Dollhouse family.
But while the Dollhouse family welcomes her with open arms, in the real world, her family life is becoming much more complicated...and deep within the Dollhouse's twisting halls, the Black Room waits, with an offer to Alice. The house can fix all this, the Black Room says. All she has to do is say the words...
From there unfolds a twisty, surreal, multigenerational horror tale that echoes into centuries past, into Alice's tormented future, and into the beating heart of the madness that makes up our world...literally. Collects The Dollhouse Family #1-6.

Horrific story! Just what I want in my horror comics. We travel with Alice throughout her life getting some glimpses of the past history of the family. When things really ramp up, I was riveted to the page. The action comes fast and heavy with very graphic panels. But such a great story of tragedy and sacrifice.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Lady Mechanika Vol. 7

Title: Lady Mechanika Vol. 7

Author: Joe Benitez, Beth Sotelo

Publisher: Benitez Productions 2022

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 106

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Winter TBR; UnRead Shelf

In a Victorian asylum full of grotesque inmates, sadistic guards, and a fanatical doctor, a young lady wakes to find her arms and legs have been replaced with mechanical limbs. But who among this gruesome menagerie is the true Monster of the Ministry of Hell? The origins of the notorious adventuress known as Lady Mechanika!

Collects LADY MECHANIKA: THE MONSTER OF THE MINISTRY OF HELL #1-4

Oooff This was such a hard trade. We finally get to see part of Lady Mechanika’s past; the trauma that she endured as a child. There were a few panels where I literally gasped out loud at the events depicted. So tough! And yet, it was get to explore her background to inform her current life and outlook. Plus we get some important information about a big bad in the universe. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Lore Olympus Vol. 3 by Rachel Smythe

Title: Lore Olympus Volume 3

Author: Rachel Smythe

Publisher: Random House Worlds 2022

Genre: Fantasy Comic

Pages: 384

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Winter TBR

All of Olympus—and the Underworld—are talking about the God of the Dead and the sprightly daughter of Demeter. But despite the rumors of their romance, Hades and Persephone have plenty to navigate on their own.

Since coming to Olympus, Persephone has struggled to be the perfect maiden goddess. Her attraction to Hades has only complicated the intense burden of the gods’ expectations. And after Apollo’s assault, Persephone fears she can no longer bury the intense feelings of hurt and love that she’s worked so hard to hide.
 
As Persephone contemplates her future, Hades struggles with his past, falling back into toxic habits in Minthe’s easy embrace. With all the mounting pressure and expectations—of their family, friends, and enemies—both Hades and Persephone tell themselves to deny their deepest desires, but the pull between them is too tempting, too magnetic. It’s fate.

Another wonderful collection of Smythe’s story of love between Hades and Persephone. It was lovely to revisit the story even though I have read farther in the Webtoons. Smythe’s coloring and illustrations add beautiful atmosphere to the story. I especially love the differences in coloring between all the characters. I cannot wait until the fourth volume publishes.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Me You Love in the Dark by Skottie Young and Jorge Corona

Title: The Me You Love in the Dark

Author: Skottie Young and Jorge Corona

Publisher: Image 2022

Genre: Horror Comic

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Winter TBR

Writer SKOTTIE YOUNG (I HATE FAIRYLAND, DEADPOOL, STRANGE ACADEMY) and artist JORGE CORONA (NO. 1 WITH A BULLET, SUPER SONS, FEATHERS) follow up their critically acclaimed series MIDDLEWEST with a brand new haunting tale. An artist named Ro retreats from the grind of the city to an old house in a small town to find solace and inspiration without realizing the muse she finds within is not what she expected. Fans of STEPHEN KING and NEIL GAIMAN will enjoy this beautiful, dark and disturbing story of discovery, love and terror.

Collects THE ME YOU LOVE IN THE DARK #1-5

I picked this one up off of a list of great horror comics and it sure did deliver. We get a very spooky slow-build story of an artist trying to find her muse in a creepy house. Of course, things are going to go badly, but not before they seem to go very well. I adored how the monster is revealed in little slivers throughout most of of the story. We don’t get to see the true horror until we’ve completely immersed ourselves in the setting. The art was done beautifully. I sped through this one and then went back and reread it immediately to really slow down and appreciate the construction of this story.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Ducks by Kate Beaton

Title: Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands

Author: Kate Beaton

Publisher: Drawn and Quarterly 2022

Genre: Graphic Novel Memoir

Pages: 448

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Winter TBR; 52 Book Club

Before there was Kate Beaton, New York Times bestselling cartoonist of Hark! A Vagrant, there was Katie Beaton of the Cape Breton Beaton, specifically Mabou, a tight-knit seaside community where the lobster is as abundant as beaches, fiddles, and Gaelic folk songs. With the singular goal of paying off her student loans, Katie heads out west to take advantage of Alberta’s oil rush―part of the long tradition of East Coasters who seek gainful employment elsewhere when they can’t find it in the homeland they love so much. Katie encounters the harsh reality of life in the oil sands, where trauma is an everyday occurrence yet is never discussed.

Beaton’s natural cartooning prowess is on full display as she draws colossal machinery and mammoth vehicles set against a sublime Albertan backdrop of wildlife, northern lights, and boreal forest. Her first full length graphic narrative, Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands is an untold story of Canada: a country that prides itself on its egalitarian ethos and natural beauty while simultaneously exploiting both the riches of its land and the humanity of its people.

CW: Sexual harassment, rape

Fascinating look at life on an isolated mining facility in Canada. I have enjoyed Beaton’s comedic takes and was intrigued by this memoir. Be advised that this book details her experiences of sexual harassment and rape while working in the Oil Sands. This is not a comedy. This is a look at her life experiences and a discussion of how isolation can affect a person. I enjoyed some of the questions that jumped into my brain while reading. I will most definitely keep Beaton on a must-read list of authors.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Snowpiercer Vol. 3

Title: Snowpiercer Vol. 3: Terminus

Author: Olivier Bocquet , Jean-Marc Rochette

Publisher: Titan Comics 2016

Genre: Comic

Pages: 232

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

On a future, frozen Earth, humanity has been packed onto self-sustaining trains, doomed to circumnavigate the globe until the end of the interminable ice age - or until the engines give out.

When a scrap of music piques their interest, the inhabitants of the Icebreaker take the ultimate risk and cross the frozen ocean, a vast expanse with no train tracks... and no way to return to them.

This was the standout volume for me! We pick up right where Volume 2 left off and eventually find ourselves in a hidden world. I loved the imagination in the creation of this underground world. I loved the reveals as we finally understand what is happening with the mice. A much more thrilling story from start to finish. I only wish the art was a little less stark and dark.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Snowpiercer Vol. 2

Title: Snowpiercer Vol. 2: The Explorers

Author: Benjamin Legrand , Jean-Marc Rochette

Publisher: Titan Comics

Genre: Comic

Pages: 144

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

In a harsh, uncompromisingly cold future where Earth has succumbed to treacherously low temperatures, the last remaining members of humanity travel on a train known as Snowpiercer while the outside world remains encased in ice.

The occupants aboard the Snowpiercer believed themselves to be the last humans alive, yet they soon learn that they are not alone. There is another train that could potentially spell destruction for the passengers of the Snowpiercer as it carves a trail through the endlessly freezing terrain. 

This second train houses a small band of people that are willing to brave the relentless cold in search of the truth and discover what is left of the world by any means necessary.

We get the next chapter in the Snowpiercer saga, but suddenly we’ve jumped forward in time and somehow are on a different train. There were multiple Snowpiercers? Very confusing… Once I settled in, I started to like the story, but there wasn’t enough there to keep my attention on high alert. I Don’t always need everything explained, but the utter lack of any explanations in this volume bothered me. And I’m still not a fan of the art at all.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Snowpiercer Vol. 1

Title: Snowpiercer Vol. 1: The Escape

Author: Jacques Lob, Jean-Marc Rochette

Publisher: Titan Comics 1984

Genre: Comic

Pages: 110

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

In a harsh, uncompromisingly cold future where Earth has succumbed to treacherously low temperatures, the last remaining members of humanity travel on a train while the outside world remains encased in ice.

The surviving community are not without a social hierarchy; those that travel at the front of the train live in relative luxury whilst those unfortunate enough to be at the rear remain clustered like cattle in claustrophobic darkness. Yet, things are about to change aboard the train as passengers become disgruntled...

Okay, so I was very disappointed by the Prequels. The original comic was so much better. We get to actually see the train and the inhabitants. We find out the situation between all of the social classes. And events are set in motion to radically change the status quo. Although after reading this first volume, the prequels make even less sense. There was so much reconning it’s not even funny. Oh well.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Snowpiercer The Prequel Part 2

Title: Snowpiercer The Prequel Part 2: Apocalypse

Author: Matz, Jean-Marc Rochette

Publisher: Titan Comics 2020

Genre: Comic

Pages: 104

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

After the extinction event that caused the new ice age, the train Snowpiercer travels perpetually around the globe, with the last survivors of humanity learning to come to terms with their new reality.

Meh. I wanted to see what happened. I guess I did. I wasn’t so mad at this book, just a little bored by the repetitiveness. I think the prequels could have been condensed down into one book. Not sure why we needed multiple.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Snowpiercer The Prequel Part 1

Title: Snowpiercer The Prequel Part 1: Extinction

Author: Matz, Jean-Marc Rochette

Publisher: Titan Comics 2021

Genre: Comic

Pages: 98

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

The Snowpiercer saga continues with this brand new story by original artist Jean-Marc Rochette and Eisner nominated writer, Matz. Set before the extinction event that caused the new ice age in which the Snowpiercer travels perpetually around the globe, witness the terrifying events that led to the need for and creation of the eponymous train.

Overall, I enjoyed the plot. The pages progressed a little too slow for me. And I had a hard time really diving into any of the characters. They just didn’t seem that interesting. I kind of just wanted to see how the train came together in the end.

Next up on the TBR pile: