The Last Temptation

20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

 

Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment

Publication date: November 11th, 2014

My rating: 5 of 5

(Graphic novel read on October 19th, from the review copy received from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange of an honest review.)

Summary:

Welcome to the world of the Theatre of the Real, where nightmares come to roost and the choice is yours to stay or go - but either way, life will never be the same again. That is what happens to Steven, a boy who is afraid and confused by the hard truth of growing up. One day, Steven happens upon an old theatre boasting its limited engagement grand guignol. Dared to go in, he meets the Showman - a mysterious man who introduces Steven to a world that is derelict and terrifying. The choice is Steven's, but the pleasure belongs to the Showman!

Now fully remastered and newly colored, Dynamite presents The Last Temptation as you've never seen it before! Written by critically acclaimed writer Neil Gaiman (The Sandman, Coraline, American Gods), and drawn by the Eisner-nominated artist Michael Zulli (The Sandman), this edition includes the original pitch Neil Gaiman sent to Alice Cooper, as well as the original scripts, a cover gallery featuring the art of Dave McKean (Batman: Arkham Asylum, The Sandman), and an afterword by Michael Zulli featuring a brand new, fully painted piece of Last Temptation art created specifically for this 20th anniversary edition.

    

 

My Thoughts on the Graphic Novel:

The Last Temptation is one stunning & perfect Halloween read. I adored every second of it. The story, the art, the characters, the process of the way the story developed, just everything.

The Last Temptation took me on a journey that I wanted to go on again the moment it was over. I was fascinated by the character of the Showman, I loved the way he was inspired by Alice Cooper, and I was fascinated by the story. I didn't expect to be, but I was.

It was mysterious, spooky, entertaining, horrific, and funny, yet soulful. So, yes, I loved it, and definitely an edition that I'd like to add on my shelf to read again & again.

So, I highly recommend this graphic novel to every fan of Neil Gaiman or Alice Cooper, or just fans of supernatural spooky stories. 

 

 

 

Challenges: 

2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge 

Holiday Bookish Bingo

Title: Emily and the Strangers Volume 1: The Battle of the Bands

Authors: Rob Reger & Mariah Huehner

Illustrator: Emily Ivie

Series: Emily & the Strangers, #1 - #3

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Publication date: May 27th, 2014

My rating: 3 of 5

(Graphic novel read on may 2nd, 2014, from the review copy received from the publisher via NetGalley in an exchange of an honest review.)

Summary:

In order to win a legendary haunted guitar, Emily is determined to create the most rockin' song the world has ever known!
 
But can she do it solo?

  

Emily isn't known for playing well with others, but she's going to have to rely on the help of some strangers if she's going to succeed on her musical journey to the true heart of rock 'n' roll!

 

Emily the Strange creator Rob Reger teams up with co-writer Mariah Huehner (True Blood, Angel) and artist Emily Ivie (The Locked Maze, Rotsterarsil) for a brand-new, full-color Emily the Strange mini-series full of troublemaking cats, mad science, new friends, and killer guitar riffs!

My Thoughts on the Graphic Novel:

I haven't read an Emily novel before, even though I've heard of them, so this was my first taste of her & the strangeness that surrounds her ;) And, I have to say, that I actually quite liked it.

Emily is one quite quirky & strange character, and she's brilliant & really interesting, so I really liked her. Her cats, too. The rest of the cast was quite interesting & strange as well, and I really liked them, too.

The story was interesting enough, but it was only ok. But, what I actually really loved & what impressed me was the art. The art & the illustrations are quite beautiful & stunning & amazing, and definitely brought life to the characters & the story.

If you enjoy graphic novels, or you're just fan of Emily the Strange, I recommend the Volume 1 of Emily & the Strangers!

 

 

 

Challenges:

2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge

Clean Sweep ARC Challenge May 2014

Title: The Art of Plants vs. Zombies: A Visual Retro Retrospec Book

Editor: Philip Simon

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Publication date: May 27th, 2014

My rating: 5 of 5

(Book read on May 2nd, 2014,  from a review copy received from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange of an honest review.)   

 

     

Summary:

 

  

Get the story of the mulchifying super hit Plants vs. Zombies from the zombies' point of view!

 

The Art of Plants vs. Zombies is part zombie memoir, part celebration of zombie triumphs, and part anti-plant screed, as well as a treasure trove of rare concept art, sketches, and more covering Plants vs. Zombies, Plants vs. Zombies 2, Plants vs. Zombies Adventures, and Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare.

 

It's a must-have for any fan and an insider's view of zombies with some Wall-nutty surprises and never-before-seen awesome art. Even Crazy Dave wants a copy — if only to learn more about his fun-dead foes!

 

  

My Thoughts on the Book:

First of all, I have to admit that Plants vs. Zombies is one of my most favorite games ever. From the moment I tried it when it was released, I was hooked. And of course I still can't get enough of it. Every time I finish it, I start over once again. I just love the art, the humour, the gameplay, the cuteness, and the addictiveness. If you still haven't tried it, what are you waiting for? This game is a must!!!

So, of course, when I saw this up on NetGalley, I had to snatch it up, and when I was approved, I was really happy. It was awesome going behind the scenes of the game characters & the art itself, and seeing how they all developed. Seriously, the artists of the games (and this book) are amazing, and I loved staring at them all, and never wanted to stop. To be honest, I wouldn't mind going through it all all over again (I need to get myself a copy of this book).

And of course there were the commentaries of the zombies that I totally adored. They were hilarious, and totally brought the mood of the games, so I loved every second of it. I was just sad when it was over.

If you're a fan of the Plants vs. Zombies games or just fan of beautiful art filled with humour, The Art of Plants vs. Zombies is a must, so I highly recommend it!

 

 

 

Challenges:

2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge

Clean Sweep ARC Challenge May 2014

Title: Under His Spell

Author: Marie P. Croall

Illustrated by: Hyeondo Park

Series: My Boyfriend is a Monster #4

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

Imprint: Graphic Universe

Pages: 128 

Publication date: October 1st, 2011

ISBN: 9780761356028

Read on August 9th, 2011 from e-copy acquired from NetGalley!

My rating: 3 of 5

Summary:

Bethany Farmer's life is a boring high school routine, and she likes it that way. Soccer, coffee, homework, more coffee, and no goofy romance. That is, until foreign exchange student Allein Atwood shows up in her Midwestern town, and her life turns epically weird. Allein has unearthly good looks, princely politeness, and a bunch of goofy, romantic pick-up lines. But is his country really so foreign that they don't know anything about soccer? Or coffee?

My thoughts on the graphic novel:

This is the last novel in the series "My Boyfriend is a Monster". Overall, I liked it. I have to admit the illustrations were ok, but I wasn't too fond of them & the storyline was enjoyable. This one had also some romance, humorous moments & action. I wish there are more novels in the series :)

Challenges:

• New Author Challenge 2011

Title: My Boyfriend Bites

Author: Dan Jolley

Illustrated by: Alitha E. Martinez

Series: My Boyfriend is a Monster #3

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

Imprint: Graphic Universe

Pages: 128 

Publication date: October 1st, 2011

ISBN: 9780761355991

Read on August 9th, 2011 from e-copy acquired from NetGalley!

My rating: 4.5 of 5

Summary:

Vanessa Shingle has a knack for choosing boyfriends who need fixing—the juvenile delinquent, the school cheat, the slacker….Then she meets Jean-Paul McClellan—the perfect project!
Vanessa is determined to find out Jean-Paul's story. Why would such a smart hunk waste his life as a janitor? She drags her best friend Stork on a nighttime mission to learn more. What she sees makes her blood run cold.
Suddenly, Vanessa's little New Mexico town is overrun by vampires—obnoxious ones at that. And Vanessa seems to be their target. Is Jean-Paul one of them? If so, why is he being so nice to her? When he talks about prophecies and legacies and Romania, what's he really up to?
Vanessa finds herself with a real situation to fix—and she stakes her life on being able to rise to the challenge.

My thoughts on the graphic novel:

Let's just say that the storyline was quite the surprise & definitely not what I was expecting. I loved it, it was so much fun & so funny & with lots of action & I liked the characters, too! Especially Vanessa, she was great - she kicked some vampire butt ;) Also, Jean-Paul, also not what I expected. Anyway, the illustrations were good, too & I have to say that this graphic novel is my second favourite in the "My Boyfriend is a Monster" series, so I highly recommend it! Lots of fun!!!

Challenges:

• New Author Challenge 2011

Title: The Last Unicorn

Author: Peter S. Beagle

Adapted by: Peter B. Gillis

Illustrated by: Ray Dillon & Renae De Liz

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Pages: 152

ISBN: 9781600108518

Read on May 13th, 2011 from e-copy acquired from NetGalley!

My rating: 5 of 5

Summary:

Whimsical. Lyrical. Poignant. Adapted for the first time from the acclaimed and beloved novel by Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn is a tale for any age about the wonders of magic, the power of love, and the tragedy of loss. The unicorn, alone in her enchanted wood, discovers that she may be the last of her kind. Reluctant at first, she sets out on a journey to find her fellow unicorns, even if it means facing the terrifying anger of the Red Bull and malignant evil of the king who wields his power.

My thoughts on the graphic novel:

I have to admit that although I grew up watching The Last Unicorn over & over again, I still haven't read the book! But I absolutely loved this graphic novel. I loved it so much that it's on my must-buy list! The illustrations were just so beautiful & amazing, they literally took my breath away. I was like "wow"! So, the artists have done really amazing job capturing all the landscapes & bringing the magic of the story. I highly recommend it!

Challenges:

• New Author Challenge 2011

Summary:

In the heart of Boston, following the devastating events of an alien invasion, history professor Tom Mason and his sons Hal, Matt, and Ben are just trying to survive. After an extreme firefight with the aliens, Ben gets kidnapped. Determined to get his son back, Tom joins forces with the 2nd Mass, a militia group that is taking the fight against the aliens. But with the group's munitions supplies running low, Tom must locate an old friend to equip him and his team in order to ensure the survival of the human race!

 

NetGalley copy read on May 13th, 2011!

 

My rating: 4 of 5

 

My thoughts on the graphic novel:

This graphic novel is actually a prequel of (at that time upcoming) tv series Falling Skies. Here we get to read & see some of the events that's happening before the tv series & are mentioned in the series. Overall I enjoyed a LOT the story, I liked the illustrations & they were really similar to the actors (as they should be) & the novel did what it supposed to do, it got me excited for the tv series. So, if you loved the tv series (I have to admit that I didn't - the storylines of the tv series were quite average & although the characters were good, the only other good thing about it were the last 5 min in the last episode, so I still might give it a chance in season 2, just out of curiosity about the ending of season 1), you'd love the graphic novel & I recommend it!

Challenges:

• New Author Challenge 2011

Title: Made for Each Other

Author: Paul D. Storrie

Illustrated by: Eldon Cowgur

Series: My Boyfriend is a Monster #2

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

Imprint: Graphic Universe

Pages: 128

ISBN: 9780761356011

Summary:

Tom Stone stepped into Seward High and into Maria McBride's life like a bolt of lightning. He's the perfect guy for Maria—nice, smart, and well-built. There's just one problem: his family. Tom's father is the town's new funeral director, and business is booming. The bodies are piling up thick and fast in Persephone Falls, Alaska, so Dr. Stone keeps Tom up late at night working in the funeral home. And it's clear that Dr. Stone and his creepy assistant, Graves, don't want Maria around. Maria knows Tom was made for her. She's determined to find out what Dr. Stone has against her. When Tom refuses to stand up to his father, Maria begins to stitch together the clues...and finds out that the Stones are into recycling in ways she never could have imagined. 

My rating: 3 of 5

My thoughts on the novel:

This is the 2nd My Boyfriend is a Monster graphic novel & although I liked it, I was a little disappointed from the story! I loved the first book, it was just so much fun & funny & romantic, so I guess I expected too much from this one. So, this one was ok & the story was ok, overall enjoyable graphic novel!

Challenges:

• 2nds Challenge 2011
• New Author Challenge 2011

Title: I Love Him to Pieces

Author: Evonne Tsang

Illustrated by: Janina Görrissen

Series: My Boyfriend is a Monster #1 

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

Imprint: Graphic Universe

Pages: 128

Publication date: April 1st, 2011

ISBN: 9780761360049

Summary:

Can love survive the zombie apocalypse? 

Maybe Dicey's first chance at a real relationship was dead from the start. She's the star of her high school baseball team, and Jack's the star of the science program. Her idea of a study session includes sleeping in the sun, and his idea of a good game involves dungeons and dice. But opposites start attracting when they're assigned to be partners in a class project. Now an outbreak of a weird infection—it eats your brains and leaves you hungry for more—might not mean just the end of their first date. It might mean the end of everything. Will their relationship fall apart faster than zombies in the Florida sun, or can Dicey and Jack beat the odds and find a happy ending?

My rating: 4 of 5

My thoughts on the novel:

I enjoyed this one a lot! I liked the characters, the story was fun, their romance was sweet, the dialogues were really funny, also there was plenty of zombie action & I was laughing out loud until the very end, so I recommend it a lot! I can't wait to read the next novel in the series!

Challenges:

• New Author Challenge 2011
• 1st in a Series Reading Challenge 2011

Title: The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Mr. Punch

Authors: Neil Gaiman & Dave McKean

Summary:

In his grandfather's seaside arcade, a young boy encounters a mysterious Punch & Judy man with a dark past and a woman who makes her living playing a mermaid. As their stories unfold, the boy must confront family secrets, strange puppets and a nightmarish world of violence and betrayal.

My rating: 5 of 5

 

My thoughts on the novel:

Although this wasn't the first work by Neil Gaiman I've read, it was my first graphic novel. I can't actually express how I feel about it. All I can say is that it leaves you thinking about it again & again. The graphics were really good, a little creepy & really weird, but they fit the story! Dave McKean is great illustrator! I have to mention that when I first watched the movie Mirrormask, which is based on a story by both Neil Gaiman & Dave McKean, I thought it was the weirdest & at the same brilliant movie I've ever seen & the same goes for this graphic novel!

Challenges:

• Fall Into Reading Challenge 2010
• Neil Gaiman Reading Challenge 2010