Category: Comics Page 1 of 8

by Shinta Harekawa, translated by John Werry

DETAILS:
Series: Akira Failing in Love, #1
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Publication Date: March 10, 2026
Format: Paperback
Length: 216 pg.
Read Date: September 19, 2026

What’s Akira Failing in Love, Vol. 1 About?

Years after they used to walk home from school together, Akira, moves back to the area for high school. Not only does she have plenty of academic goals—she has a detailed plan to get Hajime to fall for her. Sadly, she’s fairly incapable of carrying off any of her goals related to him (to comic effect).

Hajime has been carrying a torch for her for at least as long, and can’t believe she’s back in the same town—and the same school. He can’t figure out why she can’t stand him, but is always looking for ways to impress her, which work about as well as her attempts.

Cute episode after cute episode…the two spend most of the 200ish pages utterly misunderstanding each other and falling more deeply in like for each other. And getting the readers falling deeper in like with them both.

Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?

picked this up because of the Firsty Duelist’s review. It sounded fun.

I stuck with it because it was almost insufferably cute, I really enjoyed watching the repeated mutual blunders—and their strange persistence—through it all.

What did I think about the art?

It looks like what you expect a manga to look like—some incredibly goofy panels, the occasional overly emotive panel—and a few where the characters look very glamorous. The rest? Nice and straightforward.

I want to say that it’s exactly what I expect to see in a manga, but that sounds like I’m stereotyping. It’s exactly what I hope to see in a manga—particularly one that doesn’t feature fighting or robots of any size.

So, what did I think about Akira Failing in Love, Vol. 1?

This is just as charming as you’d want. Firsty talked a lot about adorkable in his post, and it’s fitting.

Actually, you really should just go read his post, he does a better job of talking about this than I am.

This is a low-stakes, high-entertainment, rom-com. Think something starring Michael Cera from 2007/2008 with a less-confident version of Kaitlyn Dever’s character in Booksmart. (just before I hit “publish” I realized they could be awkward high school versions of Brooklyn 99‘s Jake and Amy)

I appreciate the way that Akira’s anxiety is played for laughs—and treated with sensitivity. On the one hand, it drives her toward excellence in every field—which works in academics, does pretty well in athletics, and is a near-total failure in her personal life. It’d have been easy to leave her as a joke, but

The one false note—to me—is that on page 202 Hajime asks himself, “Could it be that I have a crush on [her]?” It’s one thing for him to misinterpret almost everything she says and does—because she’s so adorably inept at it, and he’s even more blind about it. You’d think it’d get old, but somehow it doesn’t. Hopefully somewhere in the next volume or two, they get past this stage and onto some other sort of interaction—but I can probably handle this for at least one more volume. Possibly two.

Regardless—I can definitely tell you to pick this up if you’re in the mood for a quick read that will elicit an “awwww” or two.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
Irresponsible Reader Pilcrow Icon

Pupposites Attract 2 by Hono Natsuna, Matt Trayvaud (translator): The Slow Burn Decelerates

By HCNewton

On September 23, 2026

In Comics, Dogs, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature

Pupposites Attract 1

by Hono Natsuna, Matt Trayvaud (Translator)

DETAILS:
Series: Pupposites Attract, #2
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Publication Date: October 8, 2024
Format: Paperback
Length: 160 pg.
Read Date: September 19, 2026

What’s Pupposites Attract 2 About?

This continues the story about the beginning of a relationship—two really. Boy walking dog meets girl walking dog. Kiyotaka’s a big guy, a little on the shy side—his dog Monjuro is a little Pomeranian who is nothing but adorable fluffiness and outgoing energy. Chiharu’s a bold extrovert and her Rottweiler, Tsubu, is a gentle giant (who may tend toward a nervousness that feels out of place for such a big guy).

A few chance encounters mark the beginning of a friendship between the two humans—and between the two dogs. The dogs seem to know before the humans do that there’s more going on between them than friendship—or at least that there should be. The relationship hasn’t budged a bit since the first volume, but they’re still cute together. Kiyotaka gets the idea for something they can do together that doesn’t involve almost-chance encounters, and spends some time working up the nerve for it.

Also, his brother and Monjuro may have made a connection on their own with an attractive young lady. The lesson of this series is get off the apps and devote yourself to a yappy Pomeranian.

We also get Monjuro’s backstory.

Translator’s Notes

As with the last volume, following the story, we get some character design sheets and a few pages of translator’s notes which talk about some of the cultural background, explain the dog names (although the story itself does a pretty decent job of that), and things of that nature. Most of the translator’s notes didn’t help me too much—but those that did were great. (and I expect other readers will have the opposite reaction to me) Regardless, it’s a nice tough for people who may not be all that familiar—or familiar at all—with manga.

Like me.

I really appreciate these notes.

A Little Word About the Art

It was good—nothing that blew me away, but I enjoyed it.

The dogs were drawn perfectly—they’re so adorable that you want to take them home—or at least roll around on the ground and play with them regularly.

Hono Natsuna nailed depicting the emotions, both human and canine. Again, there were many scenes where the text really wasn’t needed to tell the story in addition to the art.

So, what did I think about Pupposites Attract 2?

You could tell from the first book that this romance (assuming that’s what it is) would be a slow burn. But, wow, I didn’t expect it to be this slow. They almost seemed to be marching in place rather than advancing for all but a couple of pages. (I don’t know how a good fire metaphor to use there, or I would’ve). Still, watching these two shy folks try to connect is fun.

I would complain about some of the flashbacks. There’s really one important story told in the past, but the jumps back and forth in time didn’t make sense. If it had gone present-past-present, that’d be one thing. Instead, we get present-half of the past-present-the other half of the past-present. The jump to the present didn’t help out the next bit of the past, and it really threw me out of things when we took that second trip backward.

I would’ve liked a little more forward progress–and more of the potential second romance arc (although it looks like #3 could have that). But that’s not the story that Hono Natsuna is telling. This calls for patience–thankfully, treading water with these four is entertaining enough that it doesn’t bother me too much.

Double Dog Dare by Dave Kellett: Borks, Sniffs, Naps, and Chuckles.

By HCNewton

On August 25, 2026

In Comics, Dogs, Humor, Non-Fiction

Double Dog Dare:
A Canine Comics Cavalcade

by Dave Kellett

DETAILS:
Series: Sheldon Comics 
Publication Date: 2026
Format: Paperback
Length: 163 pg.
Read Date: June 22, 2026

What’s Double Dog Dare About?

This is a collection of comic strips from the long-running webcomic Sheldon (www.SheldonComics.com) focused on dog humor. Most of them focus on Sheldon’s Dog, Oso the Pug and his friend Digby the Dachshund.

Most are stand-alone 1 (occasional 2)-page comics of 1-6 panels. A few back-to-back pages are on a theme–but there are three distinct sections of stories/topics: Batpug, a series about the adventures of a crime-fighting dog; The Hodgepode Dog Lodge–a series involving a dog shelter abandoned by its human worker; and Naming Types of Dog Barks (my favorite).

The topics covered involve lots of napping, barking, sniffing things, eating habits, flatulence, and the various ways dogs pass messages to each other on walks.

What did I think about Double Dog Dare?

I used to buy a lot of comic strip collections–Bloom County, The Far Side, Calvni and Hobbes, Doonesbury, etc. And I cannot tell you how many times I’ve read each collection that I have–but I really haven’t done that since the mid-90s. With one exception–Sheldon Comics. I’ve even Kickstarted a few (like this one).

I mention that because kicking back for a while this weekend, working my way through this new collection, reminded me of that. I was just immersed in the good times–strip after strip, and every few pages I’d think, “Oh, this is the gem of the collection”–only to revise that opinion 3-5 pages later. So, yeah–there are several gems scattered throughout the book. And even the ones I wouldn’t rank as highly are pretty solid and worthy of at least a smile.

I am solid in the appraisal that the last comic is the most heartwarming.

It’s a lot of fun, you don’t need to be a Sheldon reader to enjoy this particular batch (although you may end up as one). The humor is appropriate for all ages and would be found amusing by all as well.

I had a blast with it and assume any dog lover would, too.

Irresponsible Reader Pilcrow Icon

Enemy of My Enemy (Audiobook) by Alex Segura, read by Michael David Axtell: A Lot of Devils in Hell’s Kitchen

By HCNewton

On April 16, 2026

In Audiobook, Comics, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Enemy of My Enemy

by Alex Segura, read by Michael David Axtell

DETAILS:
Series: Marvel Crime, #2
Publisher: Audible Studios
Publication Date: March 24, 2026
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 8 hrs., 28 min.
Read Date: April 8-13, 2026

What’s Enemy of My Enemy About?

I don’t need a lot of words to describe this—Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin of Crime, is dead. Shot in his own home, and all the evidence points to Frank Castle as the shooter. Well, most of the evidence, anyway. Castle even lets himself be arrested without incident and seems ready to take the fall. Matt Murdock knows the facts don’t match up (for one, a police officer was also killed in Fisk’s office and Matt knows the Punisher wouldn’t do that), and can’t let him get railroaded. So he basically forces Castle to accept his representation.

It’s up to Matt Murdock and Daredevil to make sure Castle goes free and that the right killer is identified.

This was cleverly released shortly after the launch of Daredevil: Born Again season 2, but it’s not that much of a tie-in to the television series. This is the comic book version of Daredevil and the rest. It’s a minor point, but it does explain things like why we get someone so cartoonish* as Hammerhead and why certain characters are dead/alive.

* This is not a criticism, but a description. I enjoy the character.

Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?

I picked this up because I like the idea of this Marvel Crime series, the strength of the Jessica Jones novel, and Segura’s reputation.

I kept at it because this is a smart mystery/legal thriller with some great comic book action. There are plenty of twists, some good curve-balls, and more uses of the word “internecine” than I typically see in a book.

How was the Narration?

There’s only one other voice I’d like to hear as Matt Murdock/Daredevil than Michael David Axtell, but I think it was good for them not to cast Charlie Cox. This was just great—he handled every character in a way that fit perfectly. I was as entertained by his performance as I was the by text.

Really well done.

So, what did I think about Enemy of My Enemy?

I had a lot of fun with this one—for everything I just said in that last paragraph.

Segura nailed every character—well, I’m not sure about [surprise name withheld] because I haven’t read much about them, but given the way he dealt with everyone else, I figure he did right by them. And the cast of characters is large. Segura dove deeply into Marvel’s Hell’s Kitchen here.

Also, he wasn’t shy about killing off characters. It’s clearly outside the Marvel canon.

There’s not much else to say—it’s a solid thriller, a captivating superhero story, and you won’t see what’s coming. Enemy of My Enemy is a heckuva ride that I easily recommend to fans of any of the characters I mentioned.

The Lost Daughter of Sparta by Felicia Day, Rowan MacColl: The Unknown Sister

By HCNewton

On March 26, 2026

In Comics, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature

The Lost Daughter of Sparta

by Felicia Day, illustrated by Rowan MacColl

DETAILS:
Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date: March 17, 2026
Format: Hardcover
Length: 193 pg.
Read Date: March 21, 2026

The Origin of the Book

Day explains this better in the book, but I bring this up because it’s kind of a key to thinking about this book. Day came across a reference to a curse that was imposed on Helen of Troy and her sisters—which led to her rethinking Helen. As she looks into that some more, she reads about Helen’s sister Philonoe being made immortal by Artemis. And that’s it. No details provided.

Which gets her imagination percolating and us getting this graphic novel.

What’s The Lost Daughter of Sparta About?

Whereas big sister Helen was a legendary beauty (literally), Philonoe was born with a birthmark denoting her as ugly—think Gorbachev’s scalp birthmark but covering about half her face. She’s sent to live with goatherds for most of her life, but is brought back by her parents following the Trojan War to get married.

Her future husband is a prince of Gla. If he has a redeeming quality to him, Day didn’t do a great job of making sure we saw it. Her mother reveals to her the nature of the curse that Aphrodite had put upon her and her sisters.

Philonoe goes to Aphrodite’s to ask for help with this curse and is sent on a quest to retrieve three items. Due to a previous sacrifice to Artemis, that goddess is paying attention to her, too. Artemis plays Ghosts of Sister Present with her, letting her see how things are going for them in a way to help her learn about the world.

What did I think about the art?

I’m of two minds when it comes to the art. It’s not the cleanest, most attractive, or most consistent art you’ve come across. But there’s a charm to it—the more I read, the more I enjoyed it.

I know MacColl is capable of cleaner work—I’ve checked out their website and have seen it. So what I’m trying to talk about has to be intentional. There’s part of me that sees some similarities between the art and figures on Grecian Urns I’ve seen in books.

So, what did I think about The Lost Daughter of Sparta?

There’s just nothing subtle about the storytelling, or the dispensing of the moral(s) of the story. It might have been a bit more effective if it were.

Still, it’s hard to fault the moral(s) she’s dispensing—particularly if her daughter is the primary target audience.

This isn’t a feminist re-imagining of a classic character, like so many we’ve seen. Philonoe is a blank slate as far as history and literature are concerned, so Day has the freedom to draw whatever she wants on it—and she’s taken advantage of it. There’ve been so many interpretations of Aphrodite and Artemis over the centuries that one more isn’t notable (and Day likely echoes as many as she diverges from)—the two of them are rather amusing together.

It’s a classic hero’s journey that is full of commentary on Greek heroes and how they are used by the Olympians. I’d have liked to see a bit more of that, really. But what Day gave us was pretty effective.

It’s a fast read with some fun turns—it’s not perfect, but what is? Is Day capable of better? Yes. Can you feel her investment in the project on every page? Yeah, pretty much.

I’m glad that I read The Lost Daughter of Sparta, and I assume anyone the premise appeals to will be, too. I’d suggest checking it out.

Nothing Special: Concerning Wings by Katie Cook: More Time with These Characters = More Joy for Me

By HCNewton

On March 12, 2025

In Comics, Fantasy, Fiction

I just don’t know what to say about Vol. 2 that, by and large, I said about Vol. 1 of Nothing Special, but I wanted to say something. So, yeah, I appropriated a good deal of what I wrote before. If Cook is going to be so consistent that I can’t say something new, I have to.

Concerning Wings

by Katie Cook

DETAILS:
Series: Nothing Special, Volume Two
Publisher: Ten Speed Graphic
Publication Date: October 22, 2024
Format: Hardcover
Length: 352 pg.
Read Date: February 8-15, 2025

What’s Concerning Wings About?

Callie is focused on helping her dad around his shop–she’s all-in on this life now that she understands more about where she came from and is allowed to leave the town.

Declan is getting more comfortable with his new identity, too. Until he injures his wing and it makes him very ill. Far more so than he’d imagine. So Callie starts looking for a cure–they’re pointed to fairy healer. So they set off on a short trip to find one. Along the way they end up learning more about Fairies in general.

Lasser

I felt so bad that I couldn’t remember Lasser’s name when I posted about Vol. 1, so I made sure to get it this time.

This time his arc focuses on his obsession with Romance novels (they’d probably be classified as Romantasy in our world, but since he lives in Fairyland…they’re just Romance). They’re basically the prism he sees everything through. Until he gets the opportunity to talk to someone he finds attractive and…well. Let’s just say it works a lot better in books.

Declan and Cassie

If I’m talking about Lasser, I’d better mention these two. But what is there to day? They’re so cute. Individually and as a couple.

They’ve grown as a couple in between books–they know how to read each other, take care of each other–and have fun with each other. (even at the other’s expense, in a good-hearted way).

I should have something more to say about them, but I don’t. Based on the way this volume ends, I’ll have something more to work with after Vol. 3.

A Word The Art

I just loved it. It’s bright, energetic, lively, and adorable. That last one may sound patronizing, but I can’t come up with a better word for all of the art. It just brought a smile to my face.

The radish ghost (all the ghosts, but let’s focus on it) is one of the cutest things I’ve seen in months. The little accent bits of art throughout the book featuring similar looking ghosts and non-story jokes are just as good.

I don’t know what else to say, but I loved the art.

So, what did I think about Concerning Wings?

From the dedication (literally) to the end, and all points in between, I had a blast with this book.

I don’t have anything deep, meaningful, or particularly insightful to say here—nor do I have a lot to say (believe it or not).

I thought the story was fun. I less-than-threed the characters so much. The art made me smile—as did the book as a whole. The pages just melted away. It’s cute, it’s effortlessly charming, it’s sweet, and full of whimsy. ‘Nuff said.

Your results may vary, obviously, but this just made me happy. I’m in for the long-haul with this series.

4 Stars

PUB DAY POST: King Arthur & The Ladies of The Lake by Vincent Pompetti: The Once and Future Graphic Novel For Our Time

By HCNewton

On November 19, 2024

In Comics, Fantasy, Fiction

King Arthur & The Ladies of The Lake

by Vincent Pompetti

DETAILS:
Publisher: Black Panel Press
Publication Date: November 19, 2024
Format: eARC
Length: 113 pg.
Read Date: November 9, 2024

What’s King Arthur & The Ladies of The Lake About?

This is a telling of the Arthur legend with a focus on the women in his life—his mother, sisters, Guinevere, the Lady of the Lake, and so on.

It’s also a telling of the clash between (a) Celtic religion and Christianity, with Arthur trying to maintain an atmosphere that allows both to coexist. I think the version of Celtic theology reeks of anachronistic thinking, and the “new” religion also feels a little off. But it works for this telling. It’s not just about religion—but about the way it works out in the lives and attitudes of Arthur’s people.

It’s really hard to say more than that—it’s Arthur from infancy through the end of his life, the growth of his reputation and kingdom, the controversies and losses.

A Word About the Art

So I really dig the watercolor art—it works well with the subject and the feel that Pompetti’s going for with the storytelling. There’s a dreamy quality to it that matches the storytelling, the magic and the visions that drive Arthur. I don’t know if that’s just how Pompetti works, or if he chose that deliberately for this story. Either way, it’s a win.

Yeah, there’s part of me that would appreciate a good inker and some more standard art and coloring. I think that’s primarily because that’s what I was raised with and am used to. But it just wouldn’t work as well for this work.

Here are a couple of sample pages to give you a taste (obviously, click the thumbnails to see more):

Thumbnail of king-arthur-goes-to-war_sm.jpeg

So, what did I think about King Arthur & The Ladies of The Lake?

I tipped my hand earlier when I talked about the clash of cultures driven by religion. Whoops (in my defense, I was trying to stretch that section beyond a couple of lines). While I didn’t appreciate the historical depictions, I did think it worked for a Fantasy tale.

In Pompetti’s telling there’s a feeling of groundedness to some of the standard elements of Arthurian legend—Excalibur, Guinevere’s affair, and so on. Yet, he didn’t remove magic and supernatural elements (I did wonder if that was the direction he was going for a moment)—it’s just not entirely the way we’re used to it with this story.

Like most people, I’m game for a good Arthurian retelling—and this is a pretty good one. I think the medium hurt it a little. 113 pages works for graphic novels, but it’s hard to squeeze in a lot of depth into those pages—particularly when the art looks like his does—the pictures are larger than they’d be with other artists, so the story details have to be lighter. It’s a tradeoff that’s worth it, I wouldn’t want Pompetti’s art to be smaller.

I enjoyed this on an initial read, and the bits I reread while preparing this post held up pretty well. I think it’s one of those books that I’ll appreciate more on successive re-reads, too. I’d absolutely read more by Pompetti and would encourage you to do the same.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this from ARC from the Author via Edelweiss, and i appreciate that, but the thoughts expressed are my own.

3.5 Stars

Pupposites Attract 1 by Hono Natsuna, Matt Trayvaud (translator): And They Called It Puppy Love…

By HCNewton

On October 30, 2024

In Comics, Dogs, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature

Pupposites Attract 1

by Hono Natsuna, Matt Trayvaud (Translator)

DETAILS:
Series: Pupposites Attract, #1
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Publication Date: August 6, 2024
Format: Paperback
Length: 160 pg.
Read Date: October 19, 2024

What’s Pupposites Attract 1 About?

This is the story about the beginning of a relationship—two really. Boy walking dog meets girl walking dog. It’s sort of like when Roger Radcliffe and Pongo met Anita Dearly and Perdita for the first time, just not quite as calamitous (still, I don’t know someone doesn’t think of that scene—especially someone whose children were obsessed with the ’61 animated version).

Kiyotaka’s a big guy, a little on the shy side—his dog Monjuro is a little Pomeranian who is nothing but adorable fluffiness and outgoing energy. Chiharu’s a bold extrovert and her Rottweiler, Tsubu, is a gentle giant (who may tend toward a nervousness that feels out of place for such a big guy).

A few chance encounters mark the beginning of a friendship between the two humans—and between the two dogs. The dogs seem to know before the humans do that there’s more going on between them than friendship—or at least that there should be. Although, most of the humans we see realize that about Chiharu and Kiyotaka, too—so it’s not (necessarily) that the dogs who know them best are really that insightful, it’s just these two kids are kind of clueless on this front. Which is its own charm.

That’s basically the story so far.

Translator’s Notes

Following the story, we get some character design sheets and a few pages of translator’s notes which talk about some of the cultural background, explain the dog names (although the story itself does a pretty decent job of that), and things of that nature. Most of the translator’s notes didn’t help me too much—but those that did were great. (and I expect other readers will have the opposite reaction to me) Regardless, it’s a nice tough for people who may not be all that familiar—or familiar at all—with manga.

Like me.

A Little Word About the Art

It was good—nothing that blew me away, but I enjoyed it.

I think that Kiyotaka could be drawn a bit more consistently, but maybe I’m missing something (that’ very likely). The dogs were drawn perfectly—they’re so adorable that you want to take them home—or at least roll around on the ground and play with them regularly.

Hono Natsuna nailed depicting the emotions, both human and canine. That can be tough to convey, but there were many scenes where the text really wasn’t needed to tell the story in addition to the art.

So, what did I think about Pupposites Attract 1?

This is a cute little story, you could tell from the beginning (or from the blurb on the back) where things were going—it’s not the kind of thing you read to find out what happens, but to enjoy while the obvious takes place. As such, it worked well. You don’t need surprises or twists as long as someone tells a good story well—and Hono Natsuna did that.

It’s just as heartwarming as you want it to be. The humans are sweet and bad at relationships, so it’s amusing to see them fumble along. The dogs are…well, you all know I’m a sucker for a good dog character, and these two deserve all the scritches, belly rubs and treats they can handle.

I picked this up thanks to this post from Twirling Book Princess, and seeing it on the shelf of a bookstore I was using a gift certificate at the following weekend. It’s really out of my comfort zone—honestly, it’s the first manga I’ve done more than flip through, in addition to being a Romance. But I’m glad I saw TBP’s post and took a chance. I had fun, and pretty much have to keep going with the story.

I would’ve liked a bit more substance, a bit of meat to chew on—this is very airy, very light. But I have to think that’s a function of genre. The story doesn’t need it, I’d have just liked it.

Regardless—if you’re looking for something light, sweet, feel-good, and quick to read, give Pupposites Attract. I can’t imagine you won’t be satisfied.

3 Stars

Poetry Comics by Grant Snider: Simply Bursting with Adequatulence

By HCNewton

On June 12, 2024

In Comics, General Fiction/Literature, YA/MG/Children's Books

Poetry Comics

by Grant Snider

DETAILS:
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: March 26, 2024
Format: Hardcover
Length: 96 pgs.
Read Date: June 1, 2024

What’s Poetry Comics About?

Rather than try to really describe this book (and I wouldn’t do a great job of it), here’s a shody photo of the back cover (forgive the partial library barcode)
Photo of the Back Cover to Poetry Comics by Grand Snider

A Word About the Art

If you’re a fan of Snider’s characteristic simple drawings, you’ll enjoy the art here. I am one of those, so I did.

The panels pair up really nicely with the poems—sometimes augmenting the shape and construction of the poem, sometimes simply illustrating them. Either way, it’s just what you want in this kind of book. They never detract from the poems (they probably make some of the simpler ones better—they definitely disguise their brevity*).

* I don’t mean to suggest that simple/brief poems are bad, they’re simply short.

So, what did I think about Poetry Comics?

This book is a shining example of adequasivity. It was perfectly fine, but on the whole, it really didn’t do much for me.

There were a few poems about writing a poem—they were nice (not particularly practical). Most seemed to be trying really hard to be uplifting—and many of those fell flat to me, primarily because they were clearly trying really hard, but I did enjoy a couple of those. I’m going to guess that I really enjoyed about 10% of them—but there were none that I’d consider “bad,” on the whole, the book was adequate.

So adequate that I knew halfway through that I’d have to look up that Newsradio video linked above.

Do I think readers in the target age range would appreciate this more than I did? Sure, if they like poetry (and possibly those who are ambivalent to it).

3 Stars

Nothing Special: Through the Elder Woods by Katie Cook: This Graphic Novel Sparked Joy

By HCNewton

On May 21, 2024

In Comics, Fantasy, Fiction

Through the Elder Woods

by Katie Cook

DETAILS:
Series: Nothing Special, Volume One
Publisher: Ten Speed Graphic
Publication Date: March 05, 2024
Format: Hardcover
Length: 416 pg.
Read Date: April 13, 2024

What’s Through the Elder Woods About?

Callie is sure she’s nothing special—and even more sure that everyone she goes to school with is convinced of that as well. Her dad runs a magical antique shop, but she lives with non-magical humans (and frequently he does, too)—so non-magical they don’t know it exists. But Callie can see ghosts—or spirits.

One day, she accidentally discovers she’s not alone, but a classmate, Declan, can see them, too. Relieved that he’s not just seeing things (Callie’s dad had already convinced her of that), the two become great friends. (you get the impression that Declan has wanted to be at least friends for as long as he’s been aware of her).

When Callie’s dad goes missing in the magical realm on her 17th birthday, the two of them take their first steps in this strange, magic-filled world to try to find him.

Plant-Based Ghosts?

If I had to single out one thing about this book/series that sets it apart from the rest and makes it worth a read regardless of other factors—the ghosts that Callie can see and interact with are the ghosts of plants. Trees, flowers, vegetables, and so on. If there are ghosts of people/elves/animals running around (and I don’t see why there wouldn’t be), we don’t see them in this book. Just plants. In particular, there’s the ghost of a radish (cruelly used as mere a garnish) who serves as a traveling companion/guide for Callie and Declan in the magical realm.

A great idea, executed in the cutest way possible.

My Favorite Kind of Love Triangle

Slightly-spoilery…but only slightly (and frankly, this is a selling point if you ask me…), skip if you want to go into this pristinely.

At some point—another guy* shows up on the scene to pursue Callie romantically. She just shuts him down—she’s not interested, at all. Also, there’s Declan…who she seems to be interested in.

* I had to return the book to the Library before I wrote this and I didn’t write down his name, and a couple of minutes of internet research didn’t get it for me, either.

The other guy tries, but is shut down (and almost seems to be pro forma about his attempts at a certain point) constantly.

So how is this my favorite kind of Triangle? It doesn’t exist. Callie isn’t even tempted by the other guy. Pure bliss for me.

A Word The Art

I just loved it. It’s bright, energetic, lively, and adorable. That last one may sound patronizing, but I can’t come up with a better word for all of the art. It just brought a smile to my face.

I don’t know what else to say, but I loved the art.

So, what did I think about Through the Elder Woods?

I don’t have anything deep, meaningful, or particularly insightful to say here—nor do I have a lot to say (believe it or not).

I thought the story was fun. I less-than-threed the characters so much. The art made me smile—as did the book as a whole. The pages just melted away and I read more of it than I intended to (i.e., all of it) in an afternoon. It’s cute, it’s effortlessly charming, it’s sweet, and full of whimsy. ‘Nuff said.

Your results may vary, obviously, but this just made me happy. I’m definitely back for Volume Two later this year.

4 Stars