Book source ~ Library

Geralt of Rivia is a witcher, someone who is a monster hunter for hire. This massive volume contains several comic series: House of Glass, Fox Children, Curse of Crows, and Killing Monsters. Plus the usual goodies at the end, like a sketchbook and such.

The Witcher series showed up on my radar when my teenager asked for the books. I think he discovered the books after seeing the video game. Then he heard there was going to be a series and now he’s witcher obsessed. I want to read the books, but haven't gotten around to them yet. When I saw there were graphic novels out I jumped at the chance to dive into the witcher world with them first. I can fit a graphic novel (or two or three) into my schedule much more easily than some hefty books. I have to admit, I’m hooked.

The monsters are plentiful in the witcher world as this graphic novel will show. There’s not much background on how Geralt becomes a witcher or who his traveling companions are to him, but the stories are self-contained and entertaining. Geralt has principals that chafe him when they go up against witcher code, but I like his unique ways of resolving the situations. Also, Geralt is hot. Nom nom! My son has asked me to stop saying that. LOL I consider this an excellent volume to get started in the world of Geralt and if you have already been through the books then I imagine it would be a wonderful addition. Finally, the artwork is gorgeous. I may have suggested this purchase to the library (and they bought it-I love my library!), but we’ll be adding it to our own home library soon.

4.5

Book source ~ Library

I read the book years ago and then I recently found out there’s a graphic novel. Of course I had to read it, but my library didn’t have it. So I suggested the purchase and they obliged. My library is awesome!

First in a trilogy (or so I’ve heard), this volume covers Shadow’s release from prison and his introduction to Mr. Wednesday, all the way to where he’s leaving the funeral home of Ibis and Jacquel. For those who don’t think they can do the longer novel version I recommend the graphic novel because it hits all the high points of the story. Because of the medium it can’t quite get all the nuances (obviously), but it’s a really good adaptation. Since I read the book years ago, I didn’t really remember most of it until I started reading this one. Then it began to come back to me. The artwork isn’t really all that for me, but it’s nice all the same. It reminded me of some of Gaiman’s Sandman comics so I did some research and a few volumes use the same illustrators. Look at me! I recognized some artwork! Impressed myself, I did. Lol I may need to check out the tv show now. Maybe. We’ll see.

Book source ~ Library

Buffy and gang have been living their life in the wake of the last big near-apocalypse. Magical creatures are laying low and life is quiet. Buffy and Spike have broken up, Dawn and Xander are married with a baby and living in the burbs of San Fran, Giles is his old self again, and Willow is teaching women how to empower themselves. But something big is coming. Bigger than anything they’ve ever faced before. And they’ll need everyone on board to stop it.

This graphic novel says Volume One, but it feels an awful like The End to me. I know I read that Joss Whedon and Dark Horse were parting ways after Season 12, but I’m not sure if there will be a Volume Two to this one. Maybe?

I’m really not happy with the fast forward. What the fuck? So many changes and no explanations. Then Angel and Illyria show up and I find out they are lovers? Again, I say wtf?! Where is all this coming from? Apparently the Angel and other comics have some major shit going on that I missed.

What I like about this last gasp: The humor, the appearance of some major characters, the fight scenes.

What I don’t like: the fast forward, the huge changes dumped on me with no explanation, a lot of the artwork is just…off. There were many times I couldn’t tell who was who in this. Ugh.

I really get the feeling this is it – the end. So, good-bye, my friends. I’ll miss you.

4.5

Book source ~ Library

Buffy, Willow, and Spike are still in the “Safe Zone” (i.e. internment camp) out in the Grand Canyon. They know the gov’t is up to something nefarious, but they need to escape to figure out what. When all of the magical creatures are given the option to become “normal” most take it just to get out of the terrible living situation. But there are those who can’t live without their magic (and those who choose not to), so Buffy and Willow give up their magic to get outside. After that, it’s all about Hannibal Smithing. You know, loving when a plan comes together. Because they do have a plan, right? Right?

The thing about Buffy and her Scoobies is, they usually have a workable plan. So you have to kinda go on faith (not that Faith) that what they come up with will work. I wasn’t so sure about this one. I was kept in the dark the entire time as to what the plan might  be so I worried it was going to go all FUBAR. Luckily, it mostly didn’t. Ok, that’s also typical of their plans. In any case, well done! Also, I love the artwork. Gorgeous!

*Book source ~ Library

Angel is on the last leg of his quest to resurrect Giles. Faith, while not happy about it, helps him in an attempt to accomplish his goal.

Gorgeous artwork and a decent storyline plus the appearance of my favorite character, Spike. Nom nom nom! This giganamous edition is chock-full of action, violence, fights, dilemmas, surprises and humor. Plus, I did mention it’s gorgeous, right?