Thursday, 30 April 2020
Cats in Quarantine
They really aren't any different from usual; only now they're spoilt rotten and entitled π€£π€£π€£ Full days at home = full days of love and attention πΊπΈπ»πΌππππ₯° and sleep!ππ΄ xx
Flowers!
Nothing like flowers and chocolates for family birthdays during quarantine. They are full of love, sunshine, and hope for the future πΉπ»π
Tuesday, 28 April 2020
Manga Review - 'The Legend of Chun Hyang' by CLAMP
Even though I freely spent my own money on this manga, I expected to hate it. I thought it would turn out to be dated, generic, and dull. But what can I say, I'm a sucker for fantasy action heroines, especially when they're prominent on the cover of a product: it tells us that this is her story; this is her adventure that you are about to embark upon.
The action heroine cover of 'The Legend of Chun Hyang', above all else, promises a fun time.
To my utter and pleasant surprise, it fulfils that promise.
This obscure manga by the ultra-famous mangaka team CLAMP, loosely based on a Korean folktale, is full of history, action, fantasy, comedy, romance, mystery, tragedy, politics, faith, spirits, heart, and beauty. It possesses a bit of everything, to match its stunning artwork, as is to be expected from CLAMP. 'The Legend of Chun Hyang' might be my first time reading anything to do with Korean culture and folklore, and far from being confused, I am intrigued.
Chun Hyang is a great heroine. She stands up for what she believes in, all the time; she's a formidable adversary against oppression and government corruption; she cares deeply for others and will fight for those who cannot defend themselves; she's a highly skilled martial artist and swordswoman, who thinks on her light feet; she's proven she can kick anyone's arses on multiple occasions; and she has her humourous and stubborn side as well, of course, without being overbearing. She's like a superhero for her people. She is neither a pushover, nor a saint, as she shows she is capable of killing out of rage and revenge. Quite brutal and complex for a shoujo heroine.
And despite the artwork making her look older, she is supposed to be only fourteen. Damn you, manga and anime.
Chun Hyang is a well rounded, endearing, fun yet tragic character, who manages to rise above her losses, and she never gives up.
In fact, I like all of the characters in 'The Legend of Chun Hyang'. Even the obnoxious, shallow, wannabe Casanova (read: perverted git) Mong Ryong, who serves as Chun Hyang's tag-along partner and potential love interest on her adventures - he grew on me. He isn't too bad, and is complex and powerful in his own way. There's also Chun Hyang's mother, Wall Mae, an important medicine woman (Mu Dang) in her town, whom Chun Hyang is very protective towards; unsurprising as she's her single parent. Wall Mae has her own secrets - everyone's quite mysterious in these stories, and Chun Hyang is kept in the dark, as is the tired and frustrating hero's journey tradition - but the mother and daughter share a loving and beautiful bond. It is very touching to see in manga - hell, in anything.
'The Legend of Chun Hyang' only contains three chapters, which are stories that are connected but can be read as standalones. The stories are very good and original, but sadly it doesn't seem like CLAMP will be continuing this project. This series definitely did not deserve to get cancelled before its time.
Oh well. It remains a nice little self-contained time capsule; a classic manga tale. Considering how short the series is and how it ended prematurely, I'm glad it got an English translation at any rate (I'm lucky to receive a secondhand Tokyopop copy online). The manga is such a fascinating gem containing practically all enjoyable elements.
Almost breathtaking. This legend will make you laugh, and cry.
Final Score: 4/5
The action heroine cover of 'The Legend of Chun Hyang', above all else, promises a fun time.
To my utter and pleasant surprise, it fulfils that promise.
This obscure manga by the ultra-famous mangaka team CLAMP, loosely based on a Korean folktale, is full of history, action, fantasy, comedy, romance, mystery, tragedy, politics, faith, spirits, heart, and beauty. It possesses a bit of everything, to match its stunning artwork, as is to be expected from CLAMP. 'The Legend of Chun Hyang' might be my first time reading anything to do with Korean culture and folklore, and far from being confused, I am intrigued.
Chun Hyang is a great heroine. She stands up for what she believes in, all the time; she's a formidable adversary against oppression and government corruption; she cares deeply for others and will fight for those who cannot defend themselves; she's a highly skilled martial artist and swordswoman, who thinks on her light feet; she's proven she can kick anyone's arses on multiple occasions; and she has her humourous and stubborn side as well, of course, without being overbearing. She's like a superhero for her people. She is neither a pushover, nor a saint, as she shows she is capable of killing out of rage and revenge. Quite brutal and complex for a shoujo heroine.
And despite the artwork making her look older, she is supposed to be only fourteen. Damn you, manga and anime.
Chun Hyang is a well rounded, endearing, fun yet tragic character, who manages to rise above her losses, and she never gives up.
In fact, I like all of the characters in 'The Legend of Chun Hyang'. Even the obnoxious, shallow, wannabe Casanova (read: perverted git) Mong Ryong, who serves as Chun Hyang's tag-along partner and potential love interest on her adventures - he grew on me. He isn't too bad, and is complex and powerful in his own way. There's also Chun Hyang's mother, Wall Mae, an important medicine woman (Mu Dang) in her town, whom Chun Hyang is very protective towards; unsurprising as she's her single parent. Wall Mae has her own secrets - everyone's quite mysterious in these stories, and Chun Hyang is kept in the dark, as is the tired and frustrating hero's journey tradition - but the mother and daughter share a loving and beautiful bond. It is very touching to see in manga - hell, in anything.
'The Legend of Chun Hyang' only contains three chapters, which are stories that are connected but can be read as standalones. The stories are very good and original, but sadly it doesn't seem like CLAMP will be continuing this project. This series definitely did not deserve to get cancelled before its time.
Oh well. It remains a nice little self-contained time capsule; a classic manga tale. Considering how short the series is and how it ended prematurely, I'm glad it got an English translation at any rate (I'm lucky to receive a secondhand Tokyopop copy online). The manga is such a fascinating gem containing practically all enjoyable elements.
Almost breathtaking. This legend will make you laugh, and cry.
Final Score: 4/5
Thursday, 23 April 2020
Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Break Your Glass Slippers (You Are Your Own Fairy Tale, #1)' by Amanda Lovelace
2023 EDIT:
Reread: Hmm. Like 'the mermaid's voice returns in this one' - and in my rereview of that - this is the same thing. In 'You Are Your Own Fairy Tale', there is hardly a difference in theme than in 'women are some kind of magic'. I was bored reading through these verses that may or may not be "real" poetry, or just life advice in ordinary verses. They're not the most creative or original in the world. A good number of them give very good, relevant and needed feminist advice, hence the slightly higher score than in 'the mermaid's voice' (though I've noticed contradictions in messaging throughout the books; like, is looking to the stars, to find yourself or to see the beauty of the universe or to burn and tear apart, good or bad? Another contradiction is, should I have well-meaning, loyal, strong, protective female friends, or build myself up again entirely on my own?). But overall, these poems are extremely samey and repetitive. They all seem to end on a "the right man will eventually come to be by your side to complete you in your self-worth, self-value and self-esteem" message, too, weirdly (at least it's not as bad as in 'To Make Monsters Out of Girls').
And what's with the same full watercolour pages of the night sky in some places?
Oh well. Like a few of the advice verses say: I am growing, learning, setting my own boundaries, setting my own standards, making changes in my own life, without any shame; and if that means cutting off, clearing and giving away some of my old favourite books, then so be it.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
Another sweet, sorrowful, and poignant collection of poetry by Amanda Lovelace; that's about fairy tales (though here the focus is on Cinderella) as a metaphor and outline for women being able to change, to self-care, take charge, and free themselves.
And be their own fairy tale.
Their own fairy godmother.
Their own heroine.
Their own star.
Their own universe.
'Break Your Glass Slippers (You Are Your Own Fairy Tale, #1)', like Lovelace's previous feminist fairy tale poetry instalments, is powerful in its simplicity. It also contains some of the most beautiful and blue watercolour illustrations that I have ever seen.
Most of its verses don't really say anything new or mind-blowing for those who have already read the 'Women Are Some Kind of Magic' series, but a few verses still are life-shattering and "Of course! It's so simple!" enough to bring tears of hurt, hope and joy to your eyes.
For example:
'you are not a thing
that can ever be
claimed, conquered,
or irreparably ruined
by someone else's hands.
he may like to think
he wields that much power,
but he doesn't.'
'while you're getting drunk on him,
he's only getting drunk
on the way the attention
makes him feel--
there's a difference.'
'you keep mistaking
possessiveness for love.
it couldn't be further from that.
know this:
nobody can ever own your own magic.
it is yours & yours alone.'
'repeat after me:
there can never be
too much sky.
there can never be
too many dreams.
there can never be
too much coffee.
there can never be
too many stars.
there can never be
too much me.'
'you were my almost,
but i'm my own forever.
--long may i reign.'
'she may have it all.
but that doesn't
stop you from
having it all.
celebrate her,
then celebrate you.
first you must realize
you can both
be successful
in different ways.
--internalized misogyny.'
'if i've learned
anything at all about
being a woman
it's that
people will champion you
until the moment you stand up
for yourself
a little too loudly,
a little too brashly.
--don't let that stop you from fighting for what matters.'
'being called fat is not an insult.
being called skinny is not a compliment.
--they're just sizes.'
'my value doesn't go down when my weight
goes up.'
'superficial is the person who can't imagine
worshiping you at every stage of you.'
'when they tell me that i've changed, like it's
some personal act of betrayal on my part, i tell
them, "i know. i've never been more proud of
myself. i went from a single wildflower to a
whole fucking meadow.'
'i don't know who
needs to hear this, but:
it's okay if someone doesn't like you.
it doesn't mean there's
something wrong with you.
it doesn't mean there's
something wrong with them.
some kinds of magic
just don't call to each other.'
'i've found that most rags to riches stories
have very little to do with things such as money
or material objects & everything to do with
who's still standing by your side when you
discover your own self-worth.
--you're a fucking treasure.'
'maybe i was never given a fairy godmother who
turned a pumpkin into an enchanted carriage
that took me straight to my happily ever after,
but i no longer make excuses, i drink pumpkin
spice lattes, & i check things off my to-do list.
i handle things that i never, ever could have
handled before.
--if that's not a true transformation, what is?'
'you are never directionless.
--the universe is always guiding you.'
Wow, there's loads more that I'd thought! So many constellations of verses of inspiration.
After reading 'Know My Name' by Chanel Miller, I know that a lot of Lovelace's verses apply to every woman on the planet.
Abusive relationships, female friendships, healing: the magical ingredients are here. For self-love.
'in this fairy tale, the princess doesn't
recklessly leave behind a glass slipper for
the not-so-charming prince. in this fairy
tale, the princess takes a hammer to them,
shattering both to pieces.'
Final Score: 4/5
Reread: Hmm. Like 'the mermaid's voice returns in this one' - and in my rereview of that - this is the same thing. In 'You Are Your Own Fairy Tale', there is hardly a difference in theme than in 'women are some kind of magic'. I was bored reading through these verses that may or may not be "real" poetry, or just life advice in ordinary verses. They're not the most creative or original in the world. A good number of them give very good, relevant and needed feminist advice, hence the slightly higher score than in 'the mermaid's voice' (though I've noticed contradictions in messaging throughout the books; like, is looking to the stars, to find yourself or to see the beauty of the universe or to burn and tear apart, good or bad? Another contradiction is, should I have well-meaning, loyal, strong, protective female friends, or build myself up again entirely on my own?). But overall, these poems are extremely samey and repetitive. They all seem to end on a "the right man will eventually come to be by your side to complete you in your self-worth, self-value and self-esteem" message, too, weirdly (at least it's not as bad as in 'To Make Monsters Out of Girls').
And what's with the same full watercolour pages of the night sky in some places?
Oh well. Like a few of the advice verses say: I am growing, learning, setting my own boundaries, setting my own standards, making changes in my own life, without any shame; and if that means cutting off, clearing and giving away some of my old favourite books, then so be it.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
Another sweet, sorrowful, and poignant collection of poetry by Amanda Lovelace; that's about fairy tales (though here the focus is on Cinderella) as a metaphor and outline for women being able to change, to self-care, take charge, and free themselves.
And be their own fairy tale.
Their own fairy godmother.
Their own heroine.
Their own star.
Their own universe.
'Break Your Glass Slippers (You Are Your Own Fairy Tale, #1)', like Lovelace's previous feminist fairy tale poetry instalments, is powerful in its simplicity. It also contains some of the most beautiful and blue watercolour illustrations that I have ever seen.
Most of its verses don't really say anything new or mind-blowing for those who have already read the 'Women Are Some Kind of Magic' series, but a few verses still are life-shattering and "Of course! It's so simple!" enough to bring tears of hurt, hope and joy to your eyes.
For example:
'you are not a thing
that can ever be
claimed, conquered,
or irreparably ruined
by someone else's hands.
he may like to think
he wields that much power,
but he doesn't.'
'while you're getting drunk on him,
he's only getting drunk
on the way the attention
makes him feel--
there's a difference.'
'you keep mistaking
possessiveness for love.
it couldn't be further from that.
know this:
nobody can ever own your own magic.
it is yours & yours alone.'
'repeat after me:
there can never be
too much sky.
there can never be
too many dreams.
there can never be
too much coffee.
there can never be
too many stars.
there can never be
too much me.'
'you were my almost,
but i'm my own forever.
--long may i reign.'
'she may have it all.
but that doesn't
stop you from
having it all.
celebrate her,
then celebrate you.
first you must realize
you can both
be successful
in different ways.
--internalized misogyny.'
'if i've learned
anything at all about
being a woman
it's that
people will champion you
until the moment you stand up
for yourself
a little too loudly,
a little too brashly.
--don't let that stop you from fighting for what matters.'
'being called fat is not an insult.
being called skinny is not a compliment.
--they're just sizes.'
'my value doesn't go down when my weight
goes up.'
'superficial is the person who can't imagine
worshiping you at every stage of you.'
'when they tell me that i've changed, like it's
some personal act of betrayal on my part, i tell
them, "i know. i've never been more proud of
myself. i went from a single wildflower to a
whole fucking meadow.'
'i don't know who
needs to hear this, but:
it's okay if someone doesn't like you.
it doesn't mean there's
something wrong with you.
it doesn't mean there's
something wrong with them.
some kinds of magic
just don't call to each other.'
'i've found that most rags to riches stories
have very little to do with things such as money
or material objects & everything to do with
who's still standing by your side when you
discover your own self-worth.
--you're a fucking treasure.'
'maybe i was never given a fairy godmother who
turned a pumpkin into an enchanted carriage
that took me straight to my happily ever after,
but i no longer make excuses, i drink pumpkin
spice lattes, & i check things off my to-do list.
i handle things that i never, ever could have
handled before.
--if that's not a true transformation, what is?'
'you are never directionless.
--the universe is always guiding you.'
Wow, there's loads more that I'd thought! So many constellations of verses of inspiration.
After reading 'Know My Name' by Chanel Miller, I know that a lot of Lovelace's verses apply to every woman on the planet.
Abusive relationships, female friendships, healing: the magical ingredients are here. For self-love.
'in this fairy tale, the princess doesn't
recklessly leave behind a glass slipper for
the not-so-charming prince. in this fairy
tale, the princess takes a hammer to them,
shattering both to pieces.'
Final Score: 4/5
Monday, 13 April 2020
Manga Review - 'The Avalon Chronicles Volume One: Once in a Blue Moon' by Nunzio DeFilippis (Writer), Christina Weir (Writer), Emma Vieceli (Artist)
'The Avalon Chronicles Volume One: Once in a Blue Moon' is a fairly standard fantasy comic/manga.
Aeslin Finn is a modern day teenage girl who, due to a childhood tragedy, had given up on fairy tales and fantasy. Reality is not what she thought it was, however, as one day with a school friend, Meg, she stumbles upon an old fantasy book (a sequel, actually) which portals her into another world, Avalon. Inside the fantasy story she'd loved as a little girl, Aeslin discovers that she is a chosen one (!!!I am shock!!!) - not only that, but a princess (!!!!!!!!) - who must live up to her destiny as a hero, and defeat the warlord tyrant Khrom.
There is a lot more to add, such as Aeslin's bereaved politician mother hiding far more than she is letting on, but that is the knight template plot in a nutshell.
I'll say that if you like Isekai anime with a female protagonist (who is ALWAYS in a school uniform), such as 'Inuyasha', 'Fushigi YΕ«gi', 'Magic Knight Rayearth', 'The Vision of Escaflowne', and 'The Twelve Kingdoms', then this little medieval fantasy portal land comic might become a gem for you. It also reminds me strongly of DC's New 52 'Amethyst' reboot, one reason being the blonde princess warrior mother-and-daughter bonding, and 'The Neverending Story', with the entering-a-fantasy-world-through-a-storybook motif.
Regardless of what other franchises it reminds you of, 'The Avalon Chronicles' is enjoyable on its own. It's far from perfect. It has a few pacing issues, and rushed character development issues. It's not in colour, like a manga, and this made some of the characters indistinguishable to me. It's an unfinished story as the first volume. It also plays the destiny vs choice and free will trope which leans heavily on the destiny side of the argument, which is frustrating. But it might be subverted in future stories.
'The Avalon Chronicles' contains elements in fantasy with female leads that I do like. There's girl friendships and support (Aeslin and Meg), a strong mother and daughter relationship and dynamic (I love that Aeslin's mother Laura is actually involved in the plot and her life), and the fact that the modern teenage girl is not the only female in the story. Apart from Laura, another important lady in Avalon is the badass Cassidy, who wishes to be a knight, but is not allowed because she's a girl...even though Avalon's revered chosen one, the Dragon Knight, has always been a girl. Because sexism and logic don't mix, and they never have even in medieval settings. Plus, fantasy with dragons and all that.
Cassidy and Aeslin have an interesting hate-to-rivals-to-begrudging-partners relationship. Meg might not be Aeslin's only girl-friend.
'The Avalon Chronicles' is funny and self-aware, as well. There are occasional pop culture references, and plays being performed in Avalon as political satire against a tyrannical overlord. I am disappointed, however, that the line 'It's dangerous to go alone, take this!' is not in the comic in any shape or form. It's no stranger to video game references, so huh?!
But a dragon! And a sign that the main heroine will learn sword fighting!
On another note: the cliche of the modern girl wearing school uniform (because skirts!) in the fantasy world is somewhat subverted by Aeslin putting on more comfortable and appropriate clothes on her second trip to Avalon. Intentional?
And I'm calling it now: Will Redding, the playwright of Avalon and magical storyteller of the book portals between Avalon and earth, is evil. Or at least he's connected to the bad guys in some capacity.
Whatever foibles, what an enjoyable fantasy work from the creators of 'Amazing Agent Luna'! a fact which made me want to read it in the first place. I have a soft spot for premises like this one, when they're done well and are full of passion for the genre. A cute and heartfelt storybook comic.
Happy 650th review for me, too!
Final Score: 3.5/5
Aeslin Finn is a modern day teenage girl who, due to a childhood tragedy, had given up on fairy tales and fantasy. Reality is not what she thought it was, however, as one day with a school friend, Meg, she stumbles upon an old fantasy book (a sequel, actually) which portals her into another world, Avalon. Inside the fantasy story she'd loved as a little girl, Aeslin discovers that she is a chosen one (!!!I am shock!!!) - not only that, but a princess (!!!!!!!!) - who must live up to her destiny as a hero, and defeat the warlord tyrant Khrom.
There is a lot more to add, such as Aeslin's bereaved politician mother hiding far more than she is letting on, but that is the knight template plot in a nutshell.
I'll say that if you like Isekai anime with a female protagonist (who is ALWAYS in a school uniform), such as 'Inuyasha', 'Fushigi YΕ«gi', 'Magic Knight Rayearth', 'The Vision of Escaflowne', and 'The Twelve Kingdoms', then this little medieval fantasy portal land comic might become a gem for you. It also reminds me strongly of DC's New 52 'Amethyst' reboot, one reason being the blonde princess warrior mother-and-daughter bonding, and 'The Neverending Story', with the entering-a-fantasy-world-through-a-storybook motif.
Regardless of what other franchises it reminds you of, 'The Avalon Chronicles' is enjoyable on its own. It's far from perfect. It has a few pacing issues, and rushed character development issues. It's not in colour, like a manga, and this made some of the characters indistinguishable to me. It's an unfinished story as the first volume. It also plays the destiny vs choice and free will trope which leans heavily on the destiny side of the argument, which is frustrating. But it might be subverted in future stories.
'The Avalon Chronicles' contains elements in fantasy with female leads that I do like. There's girl friendships and support (Aeslin and Meg), a strong mother and daughter relationship and dynamic (I love that Aeslin's mother Laura is actually involved in the plot and her life), and the fact that the modern teenage girl is not the only female in the story. Apart from Laura, another important lady in Avalon is the badass Cassidy, who wishes to be a knight, but is not allowed because she's a girl...even though Avalon's revered chosen one, the Dragon Knight, has always been a girl. Because sexism and logic don't mix, and they never have even in medieval settings. Plus, fantasy with dragons and all that.
Cassidy and Aeslin have an interesting hate-to-rivals-to-begrudging-partners relationship. Meg might not be Aeslin's only girl-friend.
'The Avalon Chronicles' is funny and self-aware, as well. There are occasional pop culture references, and plays being performed in Avalon as political satire against a tyrannical overlord. I am disappointed, however, that the line 'It's dangerous to go alone, take this!' is not in the comic in any shape or form. It's no stranger to video game references, so huh?!
But a dragon! And a sign that the main heroine will learn sword fighting!
On another note: the cliche of the modern girl wearing school uniform (because skirts!) in the fantasy world is somewhat subverted by Aeslin putting on more comfortable and appropriate clothes on her second trip to Avalon. Intentional?
And I'm calling it now: Will Redding, the playwright of Avalon and magical storyteller of the book portals between Avalon and earth, is evil. Or at least he's connected to the bad guys in some capacity.
Whatever foibles, what an enjoyable fantasy work from the creators of 'Amazing Agent Luna'! a fact which made me want to read it in the first place. I have a soft spot for premises like this one, when they're done well and are full of passion for the genre. A cute and heartfelt storybook comic.
Happy 650th review for me, too!
Final Score: 3.5/5
Wednesday, 8 April 2020
Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Know My Name' by Chanel Miller
Read it. Now. If you haven't already.
You need to know that this is in your life. That this book exists for a reason. That yes, this affects you, too. It affects all of us. We are all victims of a broken system. We are all victims of the nigh-indestructible global monster that is the patriarchy and rape culture.
Read the other reviews as well, which have managed to put into words the feelings and thoughts - the truth, the facts - which need to be expressed, acknowledged, and listened to. They manage to write down everything which needs to be said far better and more adequately than I am qualified to do so.
We all need this book.
For ultimately, Chanel Miller - and millions of other victims around the world - tell us this fact:
You are not alone. You never were.
You did absolutely nothing wrong.
Never give up.
We can fight this. We will keep on fighting. And hoping. For as many years - as many lifetimes - as it takes.
For a life. For change.
That is all.
This is my voice. My input. For now.
Chanel Miller, you have made a friend in me, even though I have neither met nor talked to you. Just as you say you are here for us, we are here for you. Always.
Final Score: 5/5
You need to know that this is in your life. That this book exists for a reason. That yes, this affects you, too. It affects all of us. We are all victims of a broken system. We are all victims of the nigh-indestructible global monster that is the patriarchy and rape culture.
Read the other reviews as well, which have managed to put into words the feelings and thoughts - the truth, the facts - which need to be expressed, acknowledged, and listened to. They manage to write down everything which needs to be said far better and more adequately than I am qualified to do so.
We all need this book.
For ultimately, Chanel Miller - and millions of other victims around the world - tell us this fact:
You are not alone. You never were.
You did absolutely nothing wrong.
Never give up.
We can fight this. We will keep on fighting. And hoping. For as many years - as many lifetimes - as it takes.
For a life. For change.
That is all.
This is my voice. My input. For now.
Chanel Miller, you have made a friend in me, even though I have neither met nor talked to you. Just as you say you are here for us, we are here for you. Always.
Final Score: 5/5
Tuesday, 7 April 2020
Graphic Novel Review - 'Snapdragon' by Kat Leyh
'Snapdragon' is as messy, colourful, loud, passionate, tenacious, resolute, impulsive, eclectic, adorable, and precious a graphic novel as its namesake protagonist.
Snapdragon Bloom is a young girl, an outcast, who is trying to find her place in a world cruelly not suited to her, or to her needs and wants. Life is generally strange and hard when you're a kid, but Snap feels this anxiety and isolation very strongly. She hides nothing and wears her heart on her sleeve, and she can't help but lash out. She's my kind of girl. Anyone considered "weird" in society can relate to Snapdragon immediately.
In reality, there is nothing odd about her; she lives in a trailer park, with her single, overworked but beyond loving and understanding mother who is also studying for a degree, and with her three-legged dog, Good Boy. She loves horror films, dragons, the gruesome inside details of living things and nature, and she is hyper, full of energy, precocious, super funny, and is outside almost all the time. She's a fit and healthy spunk. She's a role model!
This is the story of Snapdragon. Of how she became an assistant and apprentice to her town's resident "witch", Jacks, as she helps to take care of baby possums, and collect roadkill, articulate animal bones, learn about all bones, and other unique skills. Snap also makes friends with fellow schoolkid Lulu, who through spending time with Snapdragon and her energy will learn to be free and be herself, as a trans girl. There is a lot more to things in Snap's life than meets the eye, such as in regards to the mysterious Jacks. And to Snap herself and her inner strengths.
Of course, all "outcasts" are in fact amazing, beautiful people, who are never to be judged outright and underestimated.
'Snapdragon' - her coming-of-age tale.
I love all of the characters in 'Snapdragon'. A lot of them are too precious for this cynical and backwards world. Special mention goes to Jacks, an older woman who looks, acts and dresses in a "masculine" manner, and is often mistaken for a man. She rides a motorbike (or did constantly when she was young), and is gay. These are what mark her as an outcast and witch, among other reasons which I won't reveal here due to the risk of spoiling any magic. Jacks is a wry loner, but deep down she possess a warm and caring heart, which Snapdragon draws out of her.
I cannot overstate enough the importance of Lulu's character, as a transgender child, and how her family is with her. This graphic novel contains such vital representation and diversity; right down to Snapdragon and Lulu, and their families and friends, also being POC.
There is, however, one thing in particular which bugs me about 'Snapdragon':
Snapdragon actually says that she is not like other girls. It's in a conversation with her mother, concerning her feelings about being a girl and whether she thinks she might be a boy, similar to Lulu coming out as a girl when she'd been thought to be a boy. Snap feels like a girl, but is distraught that she "doesn't act like it", or knows how to "do it right". Her angel of a mother corrects her on this assumption, saying that she is acting fine the way she is and she shouldn't have to change. But the "I'm not like other girls" line is never addressed.
I guess Snap being in the wrong is subtly implied. After all, she doesn't really know any other girls her age - never gave them a thought or the time of day - apart from Lulu, who started out as a "boy" until she finds she loves dresses, nail polish and other typically "girly" stuff. Jacks is also not a typical woman, and she still identifies as a woman despite not being viewed as "feminine". It's clear that one of the messages of 'Snapdragon' is that gender is a social construct, and there is no right or wrong way to be any sex. It is against any puritanical BS.
I only legitimately hate that "I'm not like other girls" is a line that continues to exist in a 2020 text. For children and young audiences at that. In a story all about how bad it is to generalise groups of people. I'd thought that that misogynistic line of thinking had died a permanent and painful death a decade ago.
Towards the end of the book as well, the structure and flow of the narrative get muddled and rushed, and suddenly a villain shows up, who had barely factored into the book until then, at the climax. There was no big bad antagonist in 'Snapdragon' up to that point - it didn't need one, and not one who is one-dimensional, either. Was it for the sake of having an "exciting" and dramatic finishing touch to the story, which had been doing fine in its unconventionality? It is melodramatic and kind of forced, even for a colourful and magical kids' graphic novel.
But in the end, the more I thought about it, the less I cared. My feelings for the lovable characters and the book's other elements didn't change. I'd still recommend it to anyone of any age.
Give me further adventures of Snapdragon, Jacks, Lulu, Snapdragon's mum, and the families! They deserve to be happy, and together, no longer alone and suffering in silence.
Dogs, possums, foxes, bucks, bones, bike rides, trailers, family legends, secrets of the elderly, the spiritual, willpower, a motorbike in the shape of a buck, and come on what more could you want? Under a critical, storytelling eye, it's a mess, but so is life, and it is absolutely charming and full of heart. I won't forget these characters.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Snapdragon Bloom is a young girl, an outcast, who is trying to find her place in a world cruelly not suited to her, or to her needs and wants. Life is generally strange and hard when you're a kid, but Snap feels this anxiety and isolation very strongly. She hides nothing and wears her heart on her sleeve, and she can't help but lash out. She's my kind of girl. Anyone considered "weird" in society can relate to Snapdragon immediately.
In reality, there is nothing odd about her; she lives in a trailer park, with her single, overworked but beyond loving and understanding mother who is also studying for a degree, and with her three-legged dog, Good Boy. She loves horror films, dragons, the gruesome inside details of living things and nature, and she is hyper, full of energy, precocious, super funny, and is outside almost all the time. She's a fit and healthy spunk. She's a role model!
This is the story of Snapdragon. Of how she became an assistant and apprentice to her town's resident "witch", Jacks, as she helps to take care of baby possums, and collect roadkill, articulate animal bones, learn about all bones, and other unique skills. Snap also makes friends with fellow schoolkid Lulu, who through spending time with Snapdragon and her energy will learn to be free and be herself, as a trans girl. There is a lot more to things in Snap's life than meets the eye, such as in regards to the mysterious Jacks. And to Snap herself and her inner strengths.
Of course, all "outcasts" are in fact amazing, beautiful people, who are never to be judged outright and underestimated.
'Snapdragon' - her coming-of-age tale.
I love all of the characters in 'Snapdragon'. A lot of them are too precious for this cynical and backwards world. Special mention goes to Jacks, an older woman who looks, acts and dresses in a "masculine" manner, and is often mistaken for a man. She rides a motorbike (or did constantly when she was young), and is gay. These are what mark her as an outcast and witch, among other reasons which I won't reveal here due to the risk of spoiling any magic. Jacks is a wry loner, but deep down she possess a warm and caring heart, which Snapdragon draws out of her.
I cannot overstate enough the importance of Lulu's character, as a transgender child, and how her family is with her. This graphic novel contains such vital representation and diversity; right down to Snapdragon and Lulu, and their families and friends, also being POC.
There is, however, one thing in particular which bugs me about 'Snapdragon':
Snapdragon actually says that she is not like other girls. It's in a conversation with her mother, concerning her feelings about being a girl and whether she thinks she might be a boy, similar to Lulu coming out as a girl when she'd been thought to be a boy. Snap feels like a girl, but is distraught that she "doesn't act like it", or knows how to "do it right". Her angel of a mother corrects her on this assumption, saying that she is acting fine the way she is and she shouldn't have to change. But the "I'm not like other girls" line is never addressed.
I guess Snap being in the wrong is subtly implied. After all, she doesn't really know any other girls her age - never gave them a thought or the time of day - apart from Lulu, who started out as a "boy" until she finds she loves dresses, nail polish and other typically "girly" stuff. Jacks is also not a typical woman, and she still identifies as a woman despite not being viewed as "feminine". It's clear that one of the messages of 'Snapdragon' is that gender is a social construct, and there is no right or wrong way to be any sex. It is against any puritanical BS.
I only legitimately hate that "I'm not like other girls" is a line that continues to exist in a 2020 text. For children and young audiences at that. In a story all about how bad it is to generalise groups of people. I'd thought that that misogynistic line of thinking had died a permanent and painful death a decade ago.
Towards the end of the book as well, the structure and flow of the narrative get muddled and rushed, and suddenly a villain shows up, who had barely factored into the book until then, at the climax. There was no big bad antagonist in 'Snapdragon' up to that point - it didn't need one, and not one who is one-dimensional, either. Was it for the sake of having an "exciting" and dramatic finishing touch to the story, which had been doing fine in its unconventionality? It is melodramatic and kind of forced, even for a colourful and magical kids' graphic novel.
But in the end, the more I thought about it, the less I cared. My feelings for the lovable characters and the book's other elements didn't change. I'd still recommend it to anyone of any age.
Give me further adventures of Snapdragon, Jacks, Lulu, Snapdragon's mum, and the families! They deserve to be happy, and together, no longer alone and suffering in silence.
Dogs, possums, foxes, bucks, bones, bike rides, trailers, family legends, secrets of the elderly, the spiritual, willpower, a motorbike in the shape of a buck, and come on what more could you want? Under a critical, storytelling eye, it's a mess, but so is life, and it is absolutely charming and full of heart. I won't forget these characters.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Monday, 6 April 2020
Graphic Novel Review - 'Sword of Sorcery, Vol. 1: Amethyst (The New 52 Sword of Sorcery #0-8)' by Christy Marx (Writer), Aaron Lopresti (Artist), Various Artists
The new and improved 'Amethyst' series, originating from the 1980s, is one of the few good things to come out of DC's New 52 reboot launch. It contains nearly all of the things that I love, as both a fantasy fan and a feminist pop culture junkie: A kickass female lead, fantasy worlds, magical girls, magical kingdoms, matriarchs, queens, princesses, mother-and-daughter relationships, female friendships, swords, gemstones, witchcraft, flying beasts, cool battles that don't hold back on the brutal killings and consequences, the collective power of women overcoming a male villain (an ancient one, too), and gorgeous artwork that doesn't sexualize its female characters once. The worldbuilding is glorious. A variety of vibrant colours is used to match the gemstones, like pink, purple and lilac!
It's just a shame that it never got the chance to become a fully developed, fleshed out and complete story. Its impending cancellation resulted in a rushed ending that left quite a few loose ends, and side characters discarded and forgotten about. It makes me wonder what could have been. Judging from the beginning, I'm positive it could have been a truly amazing series.
But that's the New 52 for you. I'm impressed that DC even allowed a female-centered, sword and sorcery fantasy series to get off the ground to begin with; and written by a woman, Christy Marx, also a writer for their 'Birds of Prey' comics, but better known as the creator and head writer of another eighties series for girls, the cartoon 'Jem and the Holograms'. Who the hell says that girls don't read comics?
Another huge plus to give DC at the time? There's practically no romance in 'Sword of Sorcery, Vol. 1: Amethyst'. There's a hint, but nothing comes of it, again probably due to the rush, following cancellation. There are many fleshed out POC players, who are just as important, endearing and dynamic as the blonde white leads, and a side character is coded as gay.
Hopefully Princess Amaya, or Amethyst, or Amy Winston, along with Gemworld, will receive the treatment they deserve sometime in the future. I know Amethyst has shown up in a smattering of other DC comics, but for her to star in her own series again would be nice...
Final Score: 3.5/5
P.S. I could watch the 'Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld' cartoon shorts on YouTube all day.
P.P.S. No I won't review the two short story issues at the end of this trade paperback, since they have absolutely nothing to do with Amethyst and have no business being associated with the series.
It's just a shame that it never got the chance to become a fully developed, fleshed out and complete story. Its impending cancellation resulted in a rushed ending that left quite a few loose ends, and side characters discarded and forgotten about. It makes me wonder what could have been. Judging from the beginning, I'm positive it could have been a truly amazing series.
But that's the New 52 for you. I'm impressed that DC even allowed a female-centered, sword and sorcery fantasy series to get off the ground to begin with; and written by a woman, Christy Marx, also a writer for their 'Birds of Prey' comics, but better known as the creator and head writer of another eighties series for girls, the cartoon 'Jem and the Holograms'. Who the hell says that girls don't read comics?
Another huge plus to give DC at the time? There's practically no romance in 'Sword of Sorcery, Vol. 1: Amethyst'. There's a hint, but nothing comes of it, again probably due to the rush, following cancellation. There are many fleshed out POC players, who are just as important, endearing and dynamic as the blonde white leads, and a side character is coded as gay.
Hopefully Princess Amaya, or Amethyst, or Amy Winston, along with Gemworld, will receive the treatment they deserve sometime in the future. I know Amethyst has shown up in a smattering of other DC comics, but for her to star in her own series again would be nice...
Final Score: 3.5/5
P.S. I could watch the 'Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld' cartoon shorts on YouTube all day.
P.P.S. No I won't review the two short story issues at the end of this trade paperback, since they have absolutely nothing to do with Amethyst and have no business being associated with the series.
Sunday, 5 April 2020
Graphic Novel Review - 'The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures' by N.D. Stevenson
2023 REEDIT: Part of my 2023 clear-up, of books I no longer like, or am no longer interested in, or remember well as standing out, or find as special anymore, or I otherwise will not miss.
Final Score: 3.5/5
2023 EDIT: This was written before N.D. Stevenson's coming out.
Original Review:
Thank you so much, Noelle Stevenson, for your honesty.
For your bravery.
For your creativity.
For your drive.
For your love.
For your warmth.
For your fire.
In difficult times, it is important to remember that we are not alone. We are never alone.
'The Fire Never Goes Out' has helped me come to terms with my own sadness, loneliness, stress, fear, and other issues. I saw some of my own feelings, and my own experiences, reflected back at me in its raw and varied pages. I'm still on the verge of crying. It's a comic memoir, that also contains published blog posts, chronicling Noelle Stevenson's years of activity, dated from 2011. More people need to know about this grail diary of hurt and hope, and read through it; though it, plus Noelle's life, have no ending.
I think that, on some level, everyone is lost. More of us are "broken", if even a little, than we've been led to believe. Nobody really knows what they are doing or what they want out of life.
But in finding one another - in seeking help and support - we can slowly heal, and get through anything. We may lose parts of ourselves along the way, but we gain so much in progress, in moving forward.
'The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures' - Heavy, heartbreaking, honest, bittersweet, funny, beautiful. A memoir that is a surprise comfort, and a true inspiration concerning hopes, dreams, growing up, change, knowing your own feelings, being your whole and unflinching self, and not being afraid of that self, for your own health and safety.
Noelle Stevenson:
An additional thanks for 'Nimona' and 'She-Ra and the Princesses of Power'; as well as your other wonderful creations, which now includes this.
Final Score: 5/5
Hi, everyone.
How are you doing? How are you coping at the moment? I hope you have found a safe and productive outlet that's good for you for these days. Me? I'll just keep rereading old books, reading new books, writing, and watching YouTube vids; with the occasional walk in the garden and around the block, careful to keep my distance from other pedestrians.
I'm wondering how people who are dealing with loneliness, depression and other illnesses are faring right now. People's highly anticipated plans, resolutions, trips, courses, and dreams have had to be put on hold this year. To be immobile, to not know, to live in anxiety both within yourself and within your own walls, like being trapped for you don't know how long, it can be daunting, even for introverts and antisocials. It is very easy - too easy - to resort to anger, to let fear win, and to worry about the future.
It isn't fair, I know. Life, reality - it's never been fair. It's heartbreaking, painful.
You want to let it all out somehow.
In a world full of fear, panic, and uncertainty - this time unprecedented and which nearly all of us have never experienced something so surreal, alien, and terrifying - keep reminding yourself that, even in self-isolation, you are not alone. Think of yourself and others in equal measure. We are in this together, all of us, every single one. Nothing sets us apart - nothing can or should. As my late Nana used to say, "Keep your chin up." Keep looking up to the sun. Tomorrow is always another day.
We will get through this. We will be okay.
Take care and keep safe, you brave, lovely people.
Final Score: 3.5/5
2023 EDIT: This was written before N.D. Stevenson's coming out.
Original Review:
Thank you so much, Noelle Stevenson, for your honesty.
For your bravery.
For your creativity.
For your drive.
For your love.
For your warmth.
For your fire.
In difficult times, it is important to remember that we are not alone. We are never alone.
'The Fire Never Goes Out' has helped me come to terms with my own sadness, loneliness, stress, fear, and other issues. I saw some of my own feelings, and my own experiences, reflected back at me in its raw and varied pages. I'm still on the verge of crying. It's a comic memoir, that also contains published blog posts, chronicling Noelle Stevenson's years of activity, dated from 2011. More people need to know about this grail diary of hurt and hope, and read through it; though it, plus Noelle's life, have no ending.
I think that, on some level, everyone is lost. More of us are "broken", if even a little, than we've been led to believe. Nobody really knows what they are doing or what they want out of life.
But in finding one another - in seeking help and support - we can slowly heal, and get through anything. We may lose parts of ourselves along the way, but we gain so much in progress, in moving forward.
'The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures' - Heavy, heartbreaking, honest, bittersweet, funny, beautiful. A memoir that is a surprise comfort, and a true inspiration concerning hopes, dreams, growing up, change, knowing your own feelings, being your whole and unflinching self, and not being afraid of that self, for your own health and safety.
Noelle Stevenson:
An additional thanks for 'Nimona' and 'She-Ra and the Princesses of Power'; as well as your other wonderful creations, which now includes this.
Final Score: 5/5
Hi, everyone.
How are you doing? How are you coping at the moment? I hope you have found a safe and productive outlet that's good for you for these days. Me? I'll just keep rereading old books, reading new books, writing, and watching YouTube vids; with the occasional walk in the garden and around the block, careful to keep my distance from other pedestrians.
I'm wondering how people who are dealing with loneliness, depression and other illnesses are faring right now. People's highly anticipated plans, resolutions, trips, courses, and dreams have had to be put on hold this year. To be immobile, to not know, to live in anxiety both within yourself and within your own walls, like being trapped for you don't know how long, it can be daunting, even for introverts and antisocials. It is very easy - too easy - to resort to anger, to let fear win, and to worry about the future.
It isn't fair, I know. Life, reality - it's never been fair. It's heartbreaking, painful.
You want to let it all out somehow.
In a world full of fear, panic, and uncertainty - this time unprecedented and which nearly all of us have never experienced something so surreal, alien, and terrifying - keep reminding yourself that, even in self-isolation, you are not alone. Think of yourself and others in equal measure. We are in this together, all of us, every single one. Nothing sets us apart - nothing can or should. As my late Nana used to say, "Keep your chin up." Keep looking up to the sun. Tomorrow is always another day.
We will get through this. We will be okay.
Take care and keep safe, you brave, lovely people.
Saturday, 4 April 2020
Graphic Novel Review - 'Lady Killer, Vol. 1' by JoΓ«lle Jones (Writer/Artist), Jamie S. Rich (Co-Writer)
I surprisingly like this comic very much.
I always want to read and support comic books with female leads. However, I had my reservations about 'Lady Killer' before finally picking it up. I love me some action and ladies with agency kicking arse, but I'm not a fan of gratuitous violence, gore, serial killers, and crime thriller and horror. How would a story like this give us a likeable - or at least interesting - and non-hackneyed and appealing protagonist we'd want to follow and root for?
As it turns out, 'Lady Killer' can be thrilling and enjoyable for the squeamish. It isn't as morally-and-ethically-deprived, depraved, twisted, "dark and edgy", or even as violent as its quite literally blood-splattered pages suggest (seriously, even some of the white frames and borders of the panels get dirtied as a stylistic choice, it's kind of awesome). There's thought and restraint. The comic doesn't go into overkill, literally and figuratively. The fifties gender roles satire works, and there is a good story with memorable and believable characters here.
Watch out for JoΓ«lle Jones as she makes her mark on the mainstream comic book industry.
'Lady Killer', written and drawn by Jones, stars Josie Schuller. Josie is a housewife to a nice working man, a mother to two young daughters, and a daughter-in-law to a crotchety old German woman, and she lives the picture perfect, fifties American, sunny suburban life. She is also an assassin for hire. Has been for fifteen years, and it was her choice. And she is not afraid to get brutal, bloody and messy on the job.
It's a job she's extremely good at, and that makes the men in charge and who "own" her very nervous.
Regardless of what those chauvinistic pigs think, Josie can live her double life competently, and she can juggle a serial killer career with a home and family life well. But that won't stop them from wanting to get rid of her simply for being too good at her job. The big company men are afraid of being outmatched by a woman, and of her climbing up the ladder and breaking the glass ceiling above them.
Domesticated bliss is an illusion created by the patriarchy to keep women low on income, low on the payroll, and on social and political status. Even when a woman is talented at any field that's typically "men's work", old conservative men still prefer her to stay in the kitchen.
What great commentary.
'Lady Killer' is funny and oddly endearing for any reader. Josie is likeable despite her killing hell-knows-how many people over the years, for a corrupt company that is just using her and doesn't appreciate her. As hard as it is to believe, she has limits, and she comes to realise how disposable she is to the company. Mrs. Josie Schuller may come out on top, or start her own business...
Did she successfully kill that guy...?
Cue cliffhanger!
'Lady Killer, Vol. 1' - Black comedy, horror, thriller, action, spy drama, science fiction, mystery, feminist, and never, ever boring. In this story, even one full of killers, there are no evil women, but definitely evil men who receive their comeuppance, thank fuck.
Sorry, I have to go on a mini tangent and get this off my chest: Let there be less stories about psychopathic, manipulative ladies behind innocent men, and more of the opposite as reflects reality, please. I love female villains and want to see more of them, but this is not the "feminist" approach to it. It's the very opposite, in fact. Most women are trustworthy; are not power hungry; are not unworthy of said power; are not threatening to "poor innocent rich men"; are not threatening to goodness, hope, and the social and political order; and powerful women's lives and successes are not dependent on men. To put it bluntly: Fuck that, and fuck off.
The introduction of 'Lady Killer, Vol. 1' by author Chelsea Cain is also worth your time and every penny spent on the volume. She is right; she is on point; on a truth which makes us uncomfortable: Women are all about the blood. We are not weak. We are not squeamish. "Women are powerful creatures. What with the bleeding and life-and-death decisions." "Maybe the reason we all picture serial killers as schlubby, middle-aged white guys is because they are the ones who get caught."
Recommended. JoΓ«lle Jones is going places. Let her be as famous as any male comics writer and artist.
Final Score: 4/5
I always want to read and support comic books with female leads. However, I had my reservations about 'Lady Killer' before finally picking it up. I love me some action and ladies with agency kicking arse, but I'm not a fan of gratuitous violence, gore, serial killers, and crime thriller and horror. How would a story like this give us a likeable - or at least interesting - and non-hackneyed and appealing protagonist we'd want to follow and root for?
As it turns out, 'Lady Killer' can be thrilling and enjoyable for the squeamish. It isn't as morally-and-ethically-deprived, depraved, twisted, "dark and edgy", or even as violent as its quite literally blood-splattered pages suggest (seriously, even some of the white frames and borders of the panels get dirtied as a stylistic choice, it's kind of awesome). There's thought and restraint. The comic doesn't go into overkill, literally and figuratively. The fifties gender roles satire works, and there is a good story with memorable and believable characters here.
Watch out for JoΓ«lle Jones as she makes her mark on the mainstream comic book industry.
'Lady Killer', written and drawn by Jones, stars Josie Schuller. Josie is a housewife to a nice working man, a mother to two young daughters, and a daughter-in-law to a crotchety old German woman, and she lives the picture perfect, fifties American, sunny suburban life. She is also an assassin for hire. Has been for fifteen years, and it was her choice. And she is not afraid to get brutal, bloody and messy on the job.
It's a job she's extremely good at, and that makes the men in charge and who "own" her very nervous.
Regardless of what those chauvinistic pigs think, Josie can live her double life competently, and she can juggle a serial killer career with a home and family life well. But that won't stop them from wanting to get rid of her simply for being too good at her job. The big company men are afraid of being outmatched by a woman, and of her climbing up the ladder and breaking the glass ceiling above them.
Domesticated bliss is an illusion created by the patriarchy to keep women low on income, low on the payroll, and on social and political status. Even when a woman is talented at any field that's typically "men's work", old conservative men still prefer her to stay in the kitchen.
What great commentary.
'Lady Killer' is funny and oddly endearing for any reader. Josie is likeable despite her killing hell-knows-how many people over the years, for a corrupt company that is just using her and doesn't appreciate her. As hard as it is to believe, she has limits, and she comes to realise how disposable she is to the company. Mrs. Josie Schuller may come out on top, or start her own business...
Did she successfully kill that guy...?
Cue cliffhanger!
'Lady Killer, Vol. 1' - Black comedy, horror, thriller, action, spy drama, science fiction, mystery, feminist, and never, ever boring. In this story, even one full of killers, there are no evil women, but definitely evil men who receive their comeuppance, thank fuck.
Sorry, I have to go on a mini tangent and get this off my chest: Let there be less stories about psychopathic, manipulative ladies behind innocent men, and more of the opposite as reflects reality, please. I love female villains and want to see more of them, but this is not the "feminist" approach to it. It's the very opposite, in fact. Most women are trustworthy; are not power hungry; are not unworthy of said power; are not threatening to "poor innocent rich men"; are not threatening to goodness, hope, and the social and political order; and powerful women's lives and successes are not dependent on men. To put it bluntly: Fuck that, and fuck off.
The introduction of 'Lady Killer, Vol. 1' by author Chelsea Cain is also worth your time and every penny spent on the volume. She is right; she is on point; on a truth which makes us uncomfortable: Women are all about the blood. We are not weak. We are not squeamish. "Women are powerful creatures. What with the bleeding and life-and-death decisions." "Maybe the reason we all picture serial killers as schlubby, middle-aged white guys is because they are the ones who get caught."
Recommended. JoΓ«lle Jones is going places. Let her be as famous as any male comics writer and artist.
Final Score: 4/5
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