https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno Keeping track of my reading this year en-us 2022-03-02 22:18:16 UTC 2024-11-25 22:41:26 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f4da.png zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074503247 This is the first book in a series and I plan to read the rest! It's future, post-apocalyptic dystopia where people are developing special powers. I loved the realistic and flawed characters and exciting plot. There are also interesting connections to Aboriginal knowledge and ways of living. Read in Jan 2022.

]]> 2022-03-02 22:27:54 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074503247 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074507421 Another dystopia! In this one the world has lost all the bees and children pollinate the flowers. There's a whole section of the book where the (poor) main character works in a rich family's house and helps their child gain in confidence and start to live. It has some tough parts but is ultimately uplifting. Read in Jan 2022]]> 2022-03-02 22:32:23 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074507421 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074509483 This is an interesting book that deals with mental health issues in an alternative school. There's quite a bit of sadness but also love and understanding. The voice of the main character is really well written, I thought. Read in Jan 2022]]> 2022-03-02 22:34:29 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074509483 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074512423 I tried a few sophisticated picture books in Jan 2022 and this was the best, for me. It has an interesting 'cut and paste' style but the main thing about it is the parallel structure where you see a day in the life of two different families. Initially, you might notice more differences but then you'll see all the similarities and connections. Read in Jan 2022]]> 2022-03-02 22:37:27 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074512423 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074515237 This is the manga-style graphic novel (first in the series) of the original novel, which I've not read! The cover of this one interested me and the university setting, twins and fan fiction storyline got me interested. The characters are super memorable but, right now, I'm not sure if I'll read the next one or the novel. Read in Jan 2022.]]> 2022-03-02 22:40:34 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074515237 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074518962 I tried this because I saw it was so popular at MLC! And now Telgemeier fans tell me it's not the best one! I enjoyed it, perhaps because I also had problems with my teeth when I was at school. It's cartoony but is really grounded in real feelings and relationships. It's a kind of graphic memoir. I think I'll read more! Read in Jan 2022]]> 2022-03-02 22:44:11 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074518962 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074521382 This series came up in my university research as a girl-positive series that challenged gender norms. It does that for sure but I wasn't prepared for how 'nuts' the storyline was going to be. It's way over the top and I liked that. I will definitely read more in the series. Read in Jan 2022.]]> 2022-03-02 22:46:52 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074521382 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074525682 This was a student recommendation from Amber Smith in 7L.  It's such a cool concept: a world where you get a call telling you the day when you are going to die. Two people who never would have met, come together to share their last day. It has lots of cool connections and details and even if you know they both die, you'll be surprised how it happens! Read in Feb 2022]]> 2022-03-02 22:51:33 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074525682 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074528717 I'm interested in reading more fiction by Aboriginal authors (Magabala books website is a good place to start) and picked this up as it's about school age kids and how their European/Anglo teacher learns to appreciate Aboriginal culture, as well as young people unearthing their own connections and hidden histories. It has a little of a mystery element too! Read in Feb 2022]]> 2022-03-02 22:55:26 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074528717 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074534364 Holly C from 7G told me about this author. There are mental health issues and some tough parts but the teen characters are super-relatable and, despite all the weirdness and trouble, for me, it's really about understanding others and not being so hard on yourself, even when you don't feel great about yourself. Includes suicide ideation. Read in Feb 2022]]> 2022-03-02 23:01:43 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074534364 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074536942 Forgot about this one I read in Jan/Feb 2022, maybe because I read it on my phone using the Wheeler's app. I 100% picked this up because it is so popular at MLC. It was gripping. A really good read on the phone while riding the train. It switches between the characters but I don't think it was confusing once you got used to who's who. Is it ironic that by attempting to get revenge on this group of kids, the perpetrator really brought them together? Read in Jan/Feb 2022]]> 2022-03-02 23:05:18 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074536942 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074554246 Shaun Tan is a big name in graphic fiction/sophisticated picture books! His style is weird, a little creepy, a little dystopian but also really beautiful, I think. These two books, for me, are about being outsiders, the difficulties and value of that. Read in Feb 2022]]> 2022-03-02 23:26:09 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074554246 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074558475 I almost stopped reading this one as it was so sad and depressing but I thought it was so well written that I continued and I'm glad I did. This kid has a really tough life but it's real, there are no shortcuts or easy happy endings but it is about realising that even in the smallest ways, we can all take control of our lives and resist the limitations that others put on ourselves. A tough book that's actually about not being tough! Includes violent aspects. Read in Feb 2022.]]> 2022-03-02 23:30:10 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074558475 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074562102 Two girls meet up every summer holiday but this year it's different. They are older, local and family secrets are coming to the boil and the adult world is starting to open up. There's some really beautiful artwork in this graphic novel that highlights both the intimacy and wide open spaces. Includes some adult relationship issues, seen through younger eyes. Read in Feb 2022.]]> 2022-03-02 23:34:25 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074562102 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074567954 I've known about this for a while but only just got around to it! It's the first book in G. Willow Wilson's story of Kamala Khan. It's everything I hoped it would be and more. It's a story about a realistic 16 year old girl who suddenly gets super powers and has to help her friends and community but the stories touch on racism, privilege and cultural identity. Plus the artwork has heaps of little visual jokes and references to enjoy. This one is super-short and only has issues 1-5 of Kamala's story. I've already put a hold on the other books at my local library so I can continue reading about her journey, before the TV show comes out! Read in Feb 2022.]]> 2022-03-02 23:41:40 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2074567954 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2076790165 I read this for my job but it was my choice, so I'm counting it as personal reading! It's a really passionate call for students to be given more free reading time, personal choice book response time and no set books! The writer is a teacher and asks her grade 6 students to read 40 books a year. And they do, even the ones that think that's crazy at the start of the year. And her students get better test scores. Good evidence for independent reading sessions! Read in Feb/March 2022.

]]> 2022-03-03 23:12:02 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2076790165 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2077304542 This book is genuinely creepy (as well as funny, depending on your sense of humour!). Not recommended for anyone who gets scared or freaked out easily! Personally, I love a good scare and thought the artwork was really cool. Read in March 2022]]> 2022-03-04 04:42:07 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2077304542 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2082680421 This one was on my 'definitely/maybe' to read list. It's considered a classic teen book and was first published in 1980. After reading so many more recent books I did find the language a bit different and then, when the main character jumps back in time you have even older English and some Scots dialect too. But the story is a great mystery/timeslip adventure with loads of historical detail and drama. So, even if I didn't understand every word, it didn't matter, I could work out what was happening and it was kind of cool 'hearing' the old language, especially the 'bad language' such as "I'm fair sick to the belly with disgust" and "I dunna care a blanky damn!" Read in March 2022.]]> 2022-03-07 23:07:13 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2082680421 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2084906646 This is a graphic or illustrated memoir about the author's experience moving from Korea to the USA and struggling to fit in, find friends and understand her mother. It covers a period from the 80s to the 90s and is both brutally honest and hopeful. Read in March 2022.]]> 2022-03-08 21:54:37 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2084906646 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2094715944 This book tackles issues of race and identity through a memorable 14-year-old girl with a unique perspective on life. She also appears to be able to enter the dreams and memories of other people, giving it a touch of magical realism. There's an amazing 'image in words' on every page! Read in March 2022]]> 2022-03-14 22:07:25 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2094715944 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2098901128 The cover of caught my eye and then I read the blurb on the back, which promised something original, frightening and surprising. After checking out the description on the MLC library catalogue which mentioned 'Crowpeople', I decided to give it a go. It was awesome. There are heaps of ethical dilemmas (both the aliens and humans seem equally bad!), emotions and action. You really get a 'lost in space' and 'fish out of water' vibe with this one and it keeps you hanging on until the end. It would make a great live action or anime film, I reckon. Read in March 2022.]]> 2022-03-16 22:41:03 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2098901128 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2106252264 I decided to explore a bit of manga this year. I tried My Hero Academia but it wasn't really my cup of tea. I enjoyed this a lot more and reckon it does a good job of getting you hooked on the story through some excellent world-building. Pretty gruesome in places too! Includes horror violence. Read in March 2022.]]> 2022-03-21 22:32:45 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2106252264 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2106256352 I caught up with of Kamala Khan's adventures with this one. Good to see the same artist (Alphona) back with their little jokes in each panel. In one of the stories Ms. Marvel deals with a charismatic but manipulative love interest, which I thought was well-handled and realistic. I'm pretty impressed by how these stories are both crazy superhero adventures but also keeping it real to teenage life. Read in March 2022.]]> 2022-03-21 22:37:32 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2106256352 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2106869642 This book has been very popular and you can see why! It does that wonderful thing of allowing you to see what it's like for other people to live but also completely avoids stereotypes and creates real, complex characters. The book is presented as the journal of main character as she struggles to find her way in a near-future version of Melbourne that is going through a food and energy crisis... Whilst at the same time embracing her identity as a Deaf person and falling in love with a person whose parent is also Deaf. Rebellious, righteous and inspiring. Read in March 2022.]]> 2022-03-22 06:26:45 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2106869642 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2113060555 I hadn't realised this was a prequel when I picked it up (after a student recommended it to me), even though it says it's a prequel on the cover! In any case, this is a really wonderful book about a Y7 kid who is dealing with multiple mental health issues. She makes up heaps of rules for 'how to be normal' but they don't seem to work. Over time and through new and difficult relationships with other kids, she comes to see things differently and eventually learn to love, or at least like, herself more. Read in March 2022.]]> 2022-03-25 02:52:07 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2113060555 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2118685773 This was a student recommendation, as I continue to explore manga and find out what I like. This was cool and I get the appeal, it reminded me of old Usagi Yojimbo stories but with with the supernatural/horror element ramped up. In any case, although I enjoyed it, I probably won't be checking out the rest of the story. Not because of the horror/violence (which I have no problem with!) but because the story didn't grab me. Read in March 2022.]]> 2022-03-29 06:04:16 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2118685773 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2124399217 More manga! This is super-quirky and has a great, original idea, keeping the classroom/teen context and violence but with lots of humour and some mystery. I want to read more Attack On Titan now but I think I'll return to this one later. Read in March 2022.]]> 2022-03-31 22:01:42 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2124399217 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2126821929 This is the follow up to Solitaire. I probably didn't enjoy this as much. It's perhaps less 'edgy' but more tender. Once again the characters, dialogue and situations feel very true to life and relatable. The general anxiety around results and going to university is very well done and a good reminder not to assume goals that you don't fully embrace. Something odd about my YA reading is that so many of the books have really nasty mother characters. This book has one of the worst. But then it also has one of the coolest mums too! Read in March-April 2022.]]> 2022-04-03 00:59:19 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2126821929 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2126900032 There are 34 books in this series. I'm not sure if I'll be able to read all of them this year (probably not!) but it is a very gripping story and continues both to be fast paced and slow to fill in the backstory, which I like! Includes horror violence. Read in April 2022.]]> 2022-04-03 04:28:03 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2126900032 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2132032374 I didn't expect to enjoy this but I did. It's the story of a misfit witch in training but it's more Kiki's Delivery Service than Harry Potter, to me. The mix of small and large panels, the use of both 'cute' and artistic styles and the fully-realised world work to create a very entertaining story. Yes, I'll be reading more of this one. April 2022]]> 2022-04-06 05:46:18 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2132032374 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2134290260 Two more Ms. Marvel collected editions. I reckon I'll stop here. The quality of writing still remains high, with Kamala Khan facing multiple ethical dilemmas whilst kicking baddie butts but I miss Adrian Alphona's art and humour when he's not on the job. I hope the upcoming TV series keeps all the issues based stuff of these stories, like the topics of gentrification, racial profiling and cross-cultural understanding. Read in Mar-April 2022

]]> 2022-04-07 09:41:43 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2134290260 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2151091744 This is a collection of real-life stories about growing up in Australia as an Aboriginal person. They are all short, like five pages or so and quite varied as they cover a lot of time. Many famous and successful people are included and the diversity of different voices is impressive. There are some constant themes, especially for those speakers considered 'not black enough to be Aboriginal and not white enough to be white'. There are many lessons about how we treat each other and how we connect to our (seemingly) complex (but perhaps quite simple) and beautiful identities. Read in April 2022.]]> 2022-04-20 23:01:06 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2151091744 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2151344660 It's been a while since I read an 'adult' literary fiction novel. It actually felt great to read something 'slow', where there is very little plot or action and you spend most of the time enjoying the writer's language, use of symbol and theme, and the atmosphere they create. The chapter at the end where everything comes together and countless echoes of previous scenes is astonishing. Includes adult sexual themes. Read in April 2022.]]> 2022-04-21 02:49:03 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2151344660 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2157471383 Sadly, I didn't enjoy this as much as I had hoped. The use of the setting is great and the human characters are really well depicted with subtlety and depth. However, I wasn't keen on the way the cats were anthropomorphised, both in the art and their behaviour. Read in April 2022.]]> 2022-04-25 23:32:21 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2157471383 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2157474752 I decided to explore fantasy a bit more this year. It seemed like a good idea to start with an author whose science fiction I have enjoyed previously. This is the first Earthsea book and was originally published in 1968, making it a classic. I enjoyed it and will read more in the series, as this one is quite short and I feel like you really need to commit to 'epic' sagas to experience why many people love fantasy series! Read in April 2022.]]> 2022-04-25 23:35:57 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2157474752 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2163520621 This is super-popular at the MLC library; I had to wait for a few weeks to get my hands on it! I also read it quickly and returned it so someone else could take it. It's sweet and romantic but also realistic and shows the anxieties and ignorance many people face, as well as the strain of a coercive and unequal relationship. It's also funny in places! The free use of panels is also impressive. Read in April 2022.]]> 2022-04-29 00:44:31 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2163520621 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2165071300 Sorry to say I felt a little disappointed by this one. It has elements of Solitaire and One of Us Lying but with a strong focus on institutionalised racism. The paranoia and mystery is gripping but the story kind of simplifies things and makes the racism a kind of childish pretend game played for years in order to affect two people whereas it seems like part of the real horror is how white people and culture are often completely blind to the racism it/we (I include myself) perpetuate and benefit from. The main two characters are complex, however, and the personal changes and revelations they go through are perhaps more gripping than the 'horror' plot. I think I'm really not being fair to this book, everyone else seems to 100% love it so I feel weird saying I was disappointed! I'd like to talk about it more! I'm probably totally unqualified to criticise it! Read in April 2022.]]> 2022-04-30 03:49:29 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2165071300 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2165076558 This manga has a creepy, fairytale atmosphere and an underlying light/dark, human/monster dynamic. This first collection felt quite slow and depressing! The design of the 'cursed' outside character is fabulous and the mystery element is intriguing but I might 'park' this for now, while I explore other titles. Read in April 2022]]> 2022-04-30 04:05:01 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2165076558 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2165595130 I enjoyed this ninja/secret agent/spirit world mash up. Maybe largely because of the cat spirit! The fight scenes are cool and creative and there's heaps of action and quiet bits between that reduce the constant 'shouting' aspect that gets to me about some manga. That's because I'm old! The main female character is somewhat stereotypically presented in 'sexy' poses and angles, which is annoying, even if she does call out male characters for underestimating her. Read in April 2022.]]> 2022-05-01 04:02:24 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2165595130 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2165692508 This was on a manga for teens list and I thought it was a lot of fun. But then I do like Godzilla films. Confusingly the story was originally published in a magazine for boys (and is therefore referred to as a 'seinen' manga) but was intentionally written in a style for girls (with the author saying they embraced a 'shoujo' or 'teen girl') approach. It comes off as a fun teen love story with monsters that can also be read as a story about body image issues or puberty embarrassment and misfit feelings. Knowing it's for a teen boy audience explains some of the images of the main character losing her clothes due to her transformations, but also that seems to fit with the theme of fear over being exposed or judged too. Some nudity. Read in April 2022. ]]> 2022-05-01 09:49:49 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2165692508 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2167823060 This is the second in the Earthsea series and I enjoyed it more than the first. Far less happens, it's focused on the priestess character, her loneliness and commitment to the role assigned to her from the age of five. Her journey out of the darkness, aided by the mage character from the first book was more interesting to me than the episodic nature of the first book. Read in April-May.]]> 2022-05-03 05:40:14 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2167823060 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2168005205 This is a cool manga aimed at older teens, say 15ish and it deals with topics like bullying, suicide ideation and seedy jobs in cities. It's supposedly also aimed at young males (seinen manga) but has interest for both genders, I'd say. I would like to continue reading this one to see what happens. It's both light and serious and, importantly unpredictable while being realistic. Includes suicide ideation. Read in May.]]> 2022-05-03 09:04:17 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2168005205 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2170920957 Most of the manga I'm reading is either stuff students have recommended to me or things I'm considering as acquisitions for the library. This means I'm reading a both popular manga and stories that might be suitable for young women. It's quite fun to read things I would never have picked up before, like this shōjo series. I enjoyed the sidebars and pages from the author, talking about their processes and concerns. Given that this is ostensibly a high school romance and friendship story, it was good to see the author state that these behaviours are not restricted to female genders. I think this series could be one to investigate further for the library. It has humour but also nails the overwhelming feelings of teenage lives. May 2022.

]]> 2022-05-05 04:52:41 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2170920957 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2170951321 This is lovely. Definitely one to consider for purchase for the library. I haven't read much manga that adopts a kind of 'educational' approach (in places, it's not a textbook!), but I'm aware there are some. This is very informative about camping but also funny, cute and focussed on showcasing young women in friendship groups and being independent. Read in May 2022.]]> 2022-05-05 05:46:58 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2170951321 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2173651334 More demons! This is a very popular manga and I enjoyed the detective/puzzle approach the writer has taken as these kids try to figure out their escape. Lots of information is withheld and the little revelations we get (after the initial shock) feel dramatic. I can see one being addictive. Includes horror elements. Read in May 2022.]]> 2022-05-07 04:50:40 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2173651334 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2174193418 This is a story of morality, perhaps unsurprisingly, as it takes (as a starting point) the Faust myth. There's so much going on in this first collection, possibly too much! And there are lots of gaps or unexplained jumps. I'm fine with that usually but here I felt it was all a big jumbled rush of ideas. I'm sure it all comes together once you read on! Read in May.]]> 2022-05-08 04:09:27 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2174193418 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2176558247 Fantasy manga this time! This one is a total soap opera drama about noble families, power struggles and love betrayed. I understand that it develops into an epic, mythological quest story. Not so much my 'bag' but potentially of interest to readers at the library. Read in May.]]> 2022-05-09 23:26:59 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2176558247 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2177091575 An autobiographical manga, that's pitched as a josei (for older women) but, for this part at least is likely to interest younger readers too. It's what you might call a 'bildungsroman', in that it tells the story of how someone became an artist. The pace is fairly slow, there's lots about how education works (or worked in the 90s) but the drama is provided by a really over the top (but I guess real!) art teacher and cutesy/metaphorical cartoon/simplified reactions mixed in with the more 'realistic' art. May 2022]]> 2022-05-10 06:52:50 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2177091575 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2179078930 This collects issues 1-12 of the Promethea story. I'd previously read the first 10 so this is re-read for me. The art in this story is some of the best I have ever seen in comics. We follow a teenage girl and her merging with a 'living story' but this is really a frame for Moore to explore his ideas of magic and mythology. Contains violent imagery, some nudity and depictions of sex. Read in May 2022.]]> 2022-05-11 08:53:42 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2179078930 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2180481748 This is a collection of horror manga and some of it is truly creepy and gross. Classic 'campfire' type horror with added gore. Read in May 2022.]]> 2022-05-12 03:00:16 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2180481748 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2181000510 This was a strong recommendation from several students, after I expressed a desire to try some fantasy series. The publisher description states "it’s Harry Potter meets X-Men, with a twist of Narnia" and that's fair enough! There's quite a bit of humour in there too. I'm not sure, for now, if I'll read more in the series but I'm glad I tried this one. Read in May.]]> 2022-05-12 10:14:15 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2181000510 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2182223058 There's some parallels here with Arkanae: we have a main character in a new environment, being trained to harness new skills. The differences are that Leong focuses less on the banter or friendship and more on alienation and fear. We're also in a science fiction tale, with a narrative that addresses issues of colonialism, and there's Leong's wild, colourful art. It's pretty trippy. Looking forward to part 2 (due late 2022). Read in May.]]> 2022-05-13 02:28:22 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2182223058 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2183638949 I enjoyed this one, perhaps because I like ghost stories and have enjoyed old Japanese films about ghosts. It's a comedy romance in a supernatural context with a kind of training element to it. Definitely one to consider for the library. May 2022.]]> 2022-05-14 04:40:48 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2183638949 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2191089671 Book three in this series is my new favourite. It has the moody loneliness of 'Tombs' and the adventure of 'Wizard' and, more dragons! The writing is beautiful in places and profound in thought. LeGuin's style suits my need for writing to establish a mood more than walk us through a plot. Read in May.]]> 2022-05-19 10:01:45 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2191089671 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2193677782 Went back for more! Continues to be a very cute, imaginative, creative and stylish series. I may finish this one eventually (only 10 books in the series). Read in May.]]> 2022-05-21 03:28:24 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2193677782 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2194295543 About a third of this collection is an adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic, the rest are more supreme creepy weirdness from Ito. Nightmare material! Read in May.]]> 2022-05-22 05:05:22 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2194295543 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2195669122 This is a biography of Milicent Patrick, the designer of the monster from The Creature From The Black Lagoon (amongst many other achievements) and how her career was destroyed and erased by insecure and prejudiced men in Hollywood. It's also the story of how O'Meara, in the modern age has adjusted her own understanding of misogyny in film and changes from the #MeToo movement. The style is humorous and a little like a detective story, keeping it entertaining, despite the sometimes depressing subject matter. Read in May.]]> 2022-05-23 10:41:27 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2195669122 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2199955687 This is aimed at junior students and is a enjoyable, sassy exploration of classic witch themes but seasoned with historical prejudice and intergenerational female relationships. Very well done. Read in May. ]]> 2022-05-25 22:05:08 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2199955687 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2199958640 This is my first Stick Mob publishing book. It's pretty thin and just sets up the story. I wasn't a big fan of the artwork, just personal taste and the mix of colour and black and white wasn't for me. I would be interested in seeing where the story goes, however. Read in May.]]> 2022-05-25 22:10:27 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2199958640 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2200156168 The second Stick Mob book. This one was better for me, although again the visual style is not really my bag but the story (what appears to be a teen survivalist narrative with mutant dogs!) is more interesting.]]> 2022-05-26 01:38:27 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2200156168 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2202712324 This is a creepy horror and a history of a romance and it's so sad but beautiful! You read Leah's story about how her submarine research trip went wrong and Miri's story about how Leah came back changed after being missing. Both women also tell how they met and fell in love. There's also lots of sea facts in there, most of them either a little disturbing or amazing, depending on your own point of view. Really good stuff. Read in May. ]]> 2022-05-28 03:09:35 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2202712324 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2205398901 This is excellent. A graphic novel about the Black Lives Matter movement that also uses a ghost story and is written in almost-poetry and drawn in a realistic but also expressive manner. Powerful and super high quality on every level. Read in May.]]> 2022-05-31 03:27:02 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2205398901 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2205437132 Yup, that Alicia Keys. It's hard not to compare this to Ms Marvel: young girl becomes powered and learns how to use them against the trials of Harlem life. Seemingly a one-shot story (but I feel like there should be more!), this doesn't have the space to develop or spread in the ways Ms. Marvel does, so you get a high school/bad influence drama unfolding in ways that are more predictable but it's still satisfying and well played. Feel good kinda stuff. Read in May.]]> 2022-05-31 04:04:38 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2205437132 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2206720764 This one was a must-read for me, based on the huge reception it has had in the USA and internationally. It's a parallel story in three parts that mixes mythology and a realistic story of immigration, whilst attacking stereotypes with sarcasm and wit. It's unfortunate that the book starts with a weak and sexist joke, although it's hard to know the intent there, but after that it goes in hard on racist attitudes and internalised racism. I'd read 'Journey To The West' and enjoyed being reminded of that story/myth too. Read in May.]]> 2022-05-31 22:59:57 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2206720764 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2208830760 This was a student recommendation, a shōnen fantasy story. It's funny and there's an interesting world here. It's also on the 'shouty' side (or at least the main character is, and I'm not sure about some of the female characters' depictions. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-02 10:54:14 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2208830760 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2209913198 This appeared on the American Library Association's recommendations of graphic fiction for teens. It's my first (purely) yuri manga, meaning female relationships, often romantic. There's a school setting and an interesting (as a foreigner) perspective on what it means for Japanese teens to identify with 'cute' culture. The early stages of the main characters' infatuation with each other is very sweetly portrayed. It all happens very slowly and each moment feels heightened, as you might expect from a teen-crush situation. I'm not the target audience for this but even I learned a few things about schools in Japan!]]> 2022-06-03 07:17:57 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2209913198 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2211122632 This was a student recommendation and seems pretty popular in general. A definite hit for me! It's a story of a girl living alone who befriends a monstrous spider-like creature. That part is pretty cute. It's also a cooking manga that has a recipe in each chapter. And finally, it's all a post-apocalyptic story, the background of which we know very little and will presumably piece together as the story develops. I'll be reading all of this, I reckon, there's only 3 volumes. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-05 00:11:21 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2211122632 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2211144712 Found this a bit above a similar manga I tried (and dropped: My Love Mix Up) as the creator manages the flips between cartoony 'shouting' and realism with greater skill and there's more artistic elements like the depiction of Taichi's friend group. It's still a love mix up of sorts (in this case a love 'quadrangle') with gay and straight characters. Some of the humour is a little on the nose, like the 'large chested' sister in law taking milk out of the fridge, and the gendered stereotype of a girl trying to make herself over for a man is bit much (although played for laughs too). Still, this is solid and generates good momentum over this first volume. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-05 01:47:31 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2211144712 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2212020044 This was recommended as perfect for junior school. It is an adaptation of a novel series but also reads like playing a first-person video game. It's cute and light, without being cringe and also has a an interesting fantasy world set up. ]]> 2022-06-06 09:49:00 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2212020044 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2213145838 This author is a big deal in manga but this is my first time with one of his stories. It was really great and I'll be checking out more. The art is fantastic, the story exciting, dramatic and mysterious but well paced. There's a strong feeling for multifaceted human characters and overall depth to the story which sucked me in. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-07 06:01:16 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2213145838 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2213211784 Another junior-aged graphic novel here. It's pitched as "for fans of Raina Telgemeier" and I get that. The story is about finding a father and learning you have autism, aged 11. Lots of humour and some gentle life lessons. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-07 07:00:39 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2213211784 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2214150941 This is the fourth Earthsea book and is my favourite so far (there are two more but one of those is a collection of short stories). Like the second book, it's entirely from the main female character's perspective. This time we find Le Guin directly addressing the patriarchy of wizards and sewing the seeds for a redemption of the unbalanced world of Earthsea. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-07 22:54:30 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2214150941 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2214777041 This is an odd mix of science fiction, survival narrative and fantasy (so far!) but it's intriguing enough to make me want to read more. There are elements of John Carpenter's The Thing and King Kong in the first volume, the first chapter of which is very quiet and tragic. There appeared to be some examples of bad translation in parts not not so much to distract me. Read in June. ]]> 2022-06-08 09:41:37 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2214777041 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2215760576 A wonderful story of romantic and friend relationships that don't quite go as you want. The colouring and panelling choices (especially the wordless ones) are beautiful and it's a queer story that doesn't focus on homophobia or coming out, all that is pushed away to focus on the love story. It's also very funny and well observed. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-09 03:34:08 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2215760576 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2216128314 This is a sweet 'boys love' story. Including a deaf character made it more interesting but it was just a little too awkward and overwrought for me! Read in June.]]> 2022-06-09 10:09:30 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2216128314 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2216790440 Despite enjoying his Sandman books (which I plan to re-read), I hadn't tried this classic. It's fantastic. Pretty creepy in places (the illustrations definitely 'help' with that) but for an inspirational story about being brave and appreciating what you have, it's wonderfully done. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-09 23:08:49 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2216790440 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2218387464 A little bit of a cheat this one as I only read one of the stories in the book: Dragonfly, which is considered a 'postscript' to the previous book in the series, 'Tehanu'. Thematically it chimed with the feminist elements of that book and the challenges to the wizards control over magic, as well as the dragon/human integration. My expectations are raised for the last book now! Read in June. ]]> 2022-06-12 03:33:39 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2218387464 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2219336175 Reading Coraline made me want to revisit Gaiman's The Sandman, even though they are very different beasts. I read these stories a long time ago and returning feels cosy. As cosy as a horror-themed comic can make you feel. There's a few stories that I've not read in this series so hopefully I can find all the books and read it through this year. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-13 09:30:06 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2219336175 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2220338303 New favourite! This really impressed me and I hope it gets into history, politics and social studies classes. I also hope that people don't look at it, without reading the subtitle and think it's just a book about wombats. It's really a fantastic history of key figures in the fight against conscription during the Vietnam War, as well as the aftermath, taking in this country's engagement with Asia and treatment of migrants and refugees. The art is stunning. The research is detailed and eye-opening (at least for me). Strongest possible recommendation! Read in June.]]> 2022-06-14 04:53:00 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2220338303 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2221244679 The first collection is mostly The Sandman's quest to regain his power. Here we find him working to fix some of the breaks that occurred during his imprisonment. Preludes & Nocturnes had the nasty diner story, here that is bettered by the murders' convention thread and we also see some of the 'dreamier' or more fantastic elements come in, plus a whole story for English literature/history nerds. Read in June. ]]> 2022-06-14 23:00:20 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2221244679 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2222402485 I picked this up as I'd heard about the graphic novel version. This is the verse novel (with some illustrations). It's excellent. I wasn't sure about the 'open' ending but it's not a big deal, the whole thing is masterfully done. Reynolds is quoted on the inside jacked as saying he writes for people that hate reading. But hey, I love reading and I loved this tale of black urban youth and cyclical revenge, told in hard slang poetry. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-15 23:25:01 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2222402485 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2222403981 A totally gripping retelling of true events of students fighting government corruption and censorship in South Korea in the 1980s. If only all history lessons could be so entertaining and powerfully argued! I didn't know this history and it actually made me  want to look up what happened. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-15 23:28:02 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2222403981 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2222482862 This is a really funny and touching graphic memoir in soft watercolours. It has many laugh out loud moments of brilliant teen sass whilst gently pushing at prejudice and isolation. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-16 01:06:55 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2222482862 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2222726883 We get a little more of the kaiju backstory, but only a little. This volume focuses on Asa's initiation into becoming a pilot and then jumps to her at 17, where I presume the story will continue. The high quality art and narrative is all in place. An excellent series. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-16 05:37:31 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2222726883 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2222757255 Part 2 keeps things interesting with the introduction of the townspeople and other characters. Once again the threat all seems to come from other people, the post-apocalyptic setting is kept in the background and there are some delicious looking recipes! Read in June.]]> 2022-06-16 06:16:30 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2222757255 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2223432334 Well that's it, a 3 volume series, which is very short for manga. The post-apocalyptic story is left in the background, as is the father and it might seem that very little has happened but... Our hero started lonely and isolated, now she has friends, a purpose and has proved herself multiple times. It's an excellent little series]]> 2022-06-16 22:40:19 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2223432334 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2224417233 This is pretty fun and the reincarnation story makes it interesting. However, the boys' fantasy seinen elements put it a bit out of consideration for my work.]]> 2022-06-18 04:53:17 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2224417233 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2224856487 This was an interesting start to the series. It’s a little jumpy tonally and narrative wise but the set up for both the characters and context is intriguing. It blends elements of mystery and history with an unconventional lead character. There are some mildly suggestive moments, which felt distracting and annoyed me as much as our protagonist. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-19 10:01:10 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2224856487 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2225418452 After getting into Asadora! I wanted to check out more from the same writer. This one is probably less of interest to my students but it’s pretty great. We have a group of old friends unearthing connections between their childhood games and a strange cult in the present. There also appears to be a world crisis and science fiction narrative developing. I’m hooked. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-20 05:43:01 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2225418452 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2225663285 The plot thickens. With reading Asadora! and this at the same time I'm seeing how they both work by having a slowly unravelling central mystery and introducing the reader to multiple characters with backstories that impact on the present. At 22 volumes this could be my first full length manga experience. But I feel like I'm in good hands. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-20 10:55:10 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2225663285 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2226742207 The pace is heating up! Despite the terrorism and manipulation themes the humour is becoming more noticeable. I’m not sure how this can be spun out for another 20 volumes even though the plot relies heavily on multiple characters not remembering actions and even people from their childhood. I suspect there will be plenty more twists ahead. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-21 11:55:45 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2226742207 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2227187250 Well, that’s it, my first major fantasy seres finished. This was a beautiful ending,
not my favourite, as I preferred the ‘smaller’ stories of books 2 and 5, but a fitting and very satisfying and conclusion. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-21 22:38:45 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2227187250 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2227377873 This is a beautiful, sad, oblique look at weakening friendship, changing identities, depression, projected on the backdrop of a school dealing not so well with a suicide. It definitely captures the loneliness of some people's experience of being 16 and also is a model of 'serious comics' aimed at (mature) teens. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-22 02:34:10 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2227377873 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2227790251 Awesome reimagining of Harley and Poison Ivy that puts them in the centre of a fight against gentrification and other social woes, surrounded by drag queens and high school nonsense. It’s tragic that there’s no part two to this. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-22 12:00:04 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2227790251 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2228472955 TRIPLE POST! Went back to this story. There are currently just 10 volumes in the series. Lots of magic duels in these volumes. Still delightful and it really boggles your mind how well developed the world is and how, in each chapter, we get another jewel dropped, whether in the main story or in the understanding of magic. Read in June. ]]> 2022-06-23 03:44:39 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2228472955 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2230498797 This is a critically acclaimed super sassy fantasy satire with a massive heart and it’s heaps of fun. The story focuses on the ‘bad guy’ and his mysterious, out of control, violent new ward but it’s mostly about friendship, morals and respect. I’ll be recommending this to students a lot. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-26 03:40:14 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2230498797 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2230543388 Returning to this re-read. By this third collection we’re into the standalone stories that the book is partly famous for. Always literary, cosmic and eerie, with a sense of wonder replacing the more horrific elements of the first two books. Which is not say it’s all pleasant, many grim things happen in these stories but the feeling has changed and the writing feels more mature. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-26 07:17:24 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2230543388 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2231092223 Lots of Thailand and Shogun’s story but here is where the teams/sides are being formed and the danger is pressing nearer, pushing our ‘heroes’ further into the shadows. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-27 04:42:32 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2231092223 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2231182143 The excellent pacing continues and overall I prefer this story to 20th Century Boys. The characters are more engaging, the kaiju mystery more my bag than ‘evil secret societies’ and the smaller, human, elements more convincing. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-27 06:33:12 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2231182143 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2232153591 Clearly the obvious thing to do when you’re already reading two classic series from the same author is to start a third, right? Anyway… Another twisty epic begins here: twins with a mysterious background, serial killings, hospital politics, dubious social morality, and a Hitchcockian good guy getting ground in the gears. An hour with this is better than most films I could’ve started. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-28 05:38:32 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2232153591 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2232899921 Felt this volume strayed too far into cliche territory by bringing in the 'new Hitler' idea, child abuse and saving prostitutes. It does seem, from reading three different Urasawa stories at once, that he has favourite 'story pieces' and rearranges them to fit his genre. But, in fairness, that's pretty common with film directors like Tarantino, where it can all feel a bit 'samey', despite the genre. I'll give volume 3 a go and see if I'm still hooked. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-29 01:17:29 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2232899921 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2233127173 LOOK, a book that's not a comic! This is, to quote the cover, 'an anthology of First Nations speculative fiction'. There's a wide and wild diversity of styles of thought presented under that umbrella. Doubtless people will have differing favourites but there's a lot to enjoy, appreciate and learn in here. I lack the critical and cultural capacity to criticise it but there's som much to wonder at and get inspired by in this collection. Read in June.]]> 2022-06-29 05:35:55 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2233127173 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2234652160 A funny thing in this story is how everyone eventually appears connected to each other and the coincidences just pile up. However, I still enjoyed it but I think I'll park this for now and read other things. Read in June.]]> 2022-07-01 00:21:28 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2234652160 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2235425289 Multiple timelines abound (something this writer appears to love) now as the apocalyptic millennial events kick off and we jump into the aftermath, years later. Read in June.]]> 2022-07-02 04:07:24 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2235425289 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2235532927 The fourth book is a kind of epic where, seemingly, very little happens but every step is carefully considered and left to slowly unfurl. In many ways it’s most similar to the first book, although in reverse as Dream is attempting to rid himself of something, rather than collect, but realised in a more mature style. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-02 12:41:22 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2235532927 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2235726531 This is a very sweet and nicely paced first part of a high school love drama. With just 12 volumes, it has potential as a purchase for work. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-03 04:18:22 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2235726531 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2236183368 The main characters have almost completely disappeared in this volume as we follow the threats to the adult Kanna in the 2014 ‘future’ of the main plot. The depiction of the drag/trans characters is played far too much for comic relief, if with sympathy. A water-treading volume. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-04 04:33:39 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2236183368 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2236962677 This collection works as a standalone volume, despite referencing earlier stories and using some of their characters. The wonderful introduction (best read after the book) notes how there was backlash about the fate of the one black and trans character but also provides a sensitive re-reading of what Gaiman is up to in this book that challenges any simplified crticism. There's the usual mix of high literary, high fantasy, everyday relationship truths and ironic humour. Once again the writer and artists really leverage the form of comics to tell stories that simply couldn't be told in anywhere near the same richness in prose or even on film (and I know there's a TV series on the way!). Read in July.]]> 2022-07-05 04:39:03 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2236962677 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2237751267 Bit disappointed by this one, despite the interesting concept of dragon hunting by airship mixed with a cooking manga. The repetitive, one note nature of the central Mika character is annoying and, for me, basing the dragon hunting on whale hunting makes it seem tragic rather than exciting. Quite possibly this develops into something more interesting and sensitive later but there’s not enough here for me to continue. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-06 03:18:15 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2237751267 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2239505977 Re-reading this series after last enjoying it as a teen. The artwork and pace is still breathtaking. The teenage delinquent macho vibe is less attractive but that’s me just being older and less impressed or sympathetic to these characters. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-08 04:49:27 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2239505977 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2240042845 After Earthsea, this was the next ‘classic’ series on my list. So far the series feels much more about ideas and adventure than mood and empathy, but maybe that’s just me! However, I enjoyed it and was impressed with how Pullman uses subtle humour and expertly knows what to show and what to hide. I’ll continue with the series. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-09 04:08:28 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2240042845 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2240140057 The breakneck narrative speed kicks into an even higher gear in this volume and the street gang elements fade into the background. Otomo’s juggling of several groups of characters’ story, all of which are hurtling along is so impressive. Read in July]]> 2022-07-09 11:39:46 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2240140057 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2240970298 Finally Asa comes face to face with the elusive kaiju but the ‘smaller’ side stories present personal dangers and moral dilemmas that hit harder. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-11 11:22:27 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2240970298 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2241821192 This is the second Hval novel I’ve read and it’s even further ‘out there’ than the previous one. Her interests in culture on the margins, outsiders, and creating new ways of being and doing are all there but a lot of this veers right into freeform, experimental fiction. A large portion of the text describes various unmade film projects, ‘magic rituals’ and horror or liberation fantasies. I used to read more books like this and still enjoy being challenged. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-12 12:13:34 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2241821192 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2242583277 So very sad and touching, this simple tale of connections, trauma and growth is elevated by the fantastical threats following the characters which feel like nightmares made concrete. Yet there’s also a kind of healing magic in those unrealistic elements. Pretty special. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-13 11:59:49 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2242583277 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2243207750 The multiple timelines and introduction of new characters certainly helps to keep the series going and provide new cliffhangers! Read in July.]]> 2022-07-14 06:08:50 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2243207750 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2244677060 Two more volumes with more drama and complexity than the average soap opera! In these parts, the science and conflict are dialled down to focus on the progress of the two main female characters. It's interesting that here, halfway through, the girls become the central figures. 20th Century girls. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-17 05:01:26 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2244677060 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2246083468 The pace is even faster now, it’s all action with chases and escapes leading up to epic destruction scenes. It’s just wild to look at these last scenes and imagine hand drawing all of that. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-19 09:40:33 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2246083468 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2246430901 This collection is AMAZING. I enjoyed every story and there's so much variety of style, story and theme. Up there with the best short story anthologies that I've read. So good that I think I'll have to get my own copy. ]]> 2022-07-19 22:52:35 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2246430901 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2248668193 Students in London used to recommend this series to me so it seemed a good place to go now I'm reading more YA fiction. On the plus side: it's very pacy, there's lots of drama, the race-flip trick works well and Blackman doesn't pull any punches on how far she'll go with her characters' actions and thoughts. It really does nail that feeling of hating how the world is but also seeing you are infected by bigotry as well. On the other hand, the pacy, dialogue/thought heavy style and the soapy aspects aren't my bag, so I won't be reading the other books. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-24 03:27:00 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2248668193 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2250184535 This is a fictionalised memoir of the author's time as an advisor and writer for a French government minister in the lead up to the Iraq war. Those interested in international politics, tackled with a satirical approach will enjoy it a lot. I did, and it's a fine example of adult comics (in topic and theme, not in the sense of 'sex and violence', that stuff is more aimed at teens anyway). The character of the minister looms large throughout the book but the main impression of of the chaos and rapidly changing political manoeuvring that happens behinds world-changing events. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-26 23:11:49 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2250184535 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2251015399 I’ve read a fair bit of this author’s work but hadn’t got round to this. With a TV show coming up, it seemed like a good time to start. With a central group of 1980’s 12 year olds but deploying Vaughan’s usual trash talking and sudden violence in a typically fast moving time travel/fantasy mash up, this may not be everyone’s cup of diet Pepsi but I’m into it so far. You can definitely see why, in a post-Stranger Things world, there’s an expectation this could become a big(ger) deal. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-28 05:48:47 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2251015399 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2251158815 It’s pretty hard to describe this soft blue and green-toned story of love, friendship, baking and family, without making it seem too cute. But it is cute. Very indie, very sweet and yes, very enjoyable. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-28 11:59:47 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2251158815 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2251663036 Picked this out of the CBCA awards shortlist. It's a love story with a little grim racism and wayward teen grit in there (with the near constant partying) but the overall impression is a simple/realistic story of a heartwarming, positive awakening and eventual acceptance. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-29 08:42:31 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2251663036 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2251985691 This is a truly heartbreaking story of the true horrors, exploitation and epic struggles that so many migrants experience. It feels honest and faithful, obviously the work of research and engagement with people who have made these journeys and the organisations that support them. Read in July.]]> 2022-07-30 04:46:06 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2251985691 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2252654706 Picked up this collected edition of the now-canceled series focusing on two characters in the Dora Milaje, their relationship and the political background to events in other Black Panther and Marvel titles. Sadly, despite having great characters and issues, it felt episodic and disjointed. Clearly, the intention of the stories was to 'fill in' what was going on elsewhere, but I would have rather just focused on our characters. Read in July-August. ]]> 2022-08-01 07:25:29 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2252654706 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2252756694 Mixed feelings about this one. It’s cute but also annoying and some of the jokes feel a bit off with insecurities and gender fluidity played for laughs. I think I’ll wait and see if there’s a request for it. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-01 12:17:48 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2252756694 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2253043595 This is a superb short novel that takes us on a journey of courage by a young woman resisting being squeezed to psychic and heart death in a home dominated by rage and fear. It’s tough and unflinching but Wen’s strength is a light guiding her friend and family out of the darkness, always with compassion for why people become so angry and afraid. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-01 23:35:14 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2253043595 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2253418791 A transgender teen fashion rebellion story, written by a transgender man, this is heartfelt and energetic. Seems like a definite purchase for my work. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-02 12:29:06 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2253418791 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2254636004 OK, so I’ve not read ‘Wonder’ but this was a strong recommendation from a student so I took it home. It’s a really well told and controlled story about a familiar topic but which still moved me and reminded me of what’s at stake in our small and large actions and inaction in the face of injustice. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-04 05:20:25 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2254636004 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2254790469 It’s all pretty frenetic and confusing but I’m enjoying the ride here. Weird aliens, multiple versions of the same character, bad guy uncertainty, and heaps of sass. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-04 11:37:35 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2254790469 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2255286420 This is top-tier, gold-standard for reflective biography in comics. It showcases how comics can do things that standard prose, newspapers and film can't. A brilliant work of fact and art. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-05 04:49:44 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2255286420 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2255402742 Now the girls and slung back into pre-history with smattered visions and broken pieces of the futures coming through. It’s getting loopier. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-05 09:50:02 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2255402742 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2256484697 Enjoyed this volume more, I think. Probably all the Y2K gags and the giant robots. But there's still that heart and emotion underneath the adventure and fast-talking quips. I started the TV show too and, sadly, it’s not as much fun as the books. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-08 07:14:51 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2256484697 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2256618337 This volume takes us far into the future but starts tying up the various time threads. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-08 11:45:30 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2256618337 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2257117839 So many of my Year 7 students have read this (despite it being classified as 'senior fiction' in our library), that I thought I had to read it to see what they liked about it. I understood the appeal, I think, but it wasn't really for me. The afterword by the author was perhaps my favourite part! Read in August.]]> 2022-08-09 02:55:10 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2257117839 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2257352486 The end, with just a hint of possible happiness. A total headspinner of a series whose time travel elements I don’t think I completely grasped but enjoyed all the same. The TV show is quite different, more of a remix. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-09 11:37:06 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2257352486 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2258133974 This was intriguing. At times a little too overwrought but there’s also magic, mystery and heart in here. The art is often beautiful and the story is well paced. Just four volumes! Read in August.]]> 2022-08-10 11:35:53 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2258133974 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2258150777 In this volume, the main character is trying to help a younger acquaintance whose confusion and frustration leads to lashing out. Lots of drama and great art again, with the underlying messages of patience, honesty and tearing down to build again, developing further. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-10 12:13:13 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2258150777 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2260577315 Back to this series and we’re now fully in the individual short stories phase. All the tales here are inspired by history or myth and all satisfy any need for fantasy and dark mystery. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-14 10:24:27 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2260577315 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2260588181 I like a bit of Kaiju action but I wasn’t feeling this one. The writing or translation at least, feels generic and rushed and there’s little space in the story, despite all the cool ideas. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-14 11:21:05 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2260588181 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2261627772 I only read the first three chapters in this volume, enough to get a feel for it. I reckon this would be a lot of fun for younger readers and I’ll br suggesting it for the junior school. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-15 22:50:37 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2261627772 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2261925176 I was interested in the 'high interest, low vocabulary' or what we call 'fast reads' books at work. These two were chosen for me to read by students. One is a post-apocalyptic survivalist adventure, the other a humorous take on the 'extraordinary school' genre. The latter was written by readers choosing what happens at the end of each chapter, which is a cool idea. I'd like to find more in this vein, to recommend to students who struggle to read or commit to reading at home. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-16 05:42:35 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2261925176 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2262993055 Finally got around to reading this huge hit. It's so well structured and literary (and self-aware of being literary and gently mocking of that). You can see why critics would find it easy to love: it's autobiography, it's literate in the sense of precise and well-turned sentences, and literary in the sense of making references to and drawing parallels with other (well regarded) fiction. But even with all that, it's easy to love, emotional, intellectual, humorous, bold and subtle. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-17 06:05:36 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2262993055 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2263214909 Emotions still running super high and the drops into fantastic imagery are present. Like the previous volume we have here
people trying to help but making things worse or hurting others. Suppressed feelings and growing confidence. Our main character is almost unrecognisable compared to the start of the story. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-17 12:05:56 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2263214909 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2264084957 It's the end of the story (just four volumes!). Many things are left open ended but that's kind of the point. One of the main characters 'someone-san' who may or may not be asexual/aromantic is both a character and an embodying theme of the story: some things don't need to be pushed, helped or interrogated, they just need to be let be. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-18 06:07:34 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2264084957 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2264881526 This book feels sadder and darker and I liked that. I enjoyed the introduction of two more worlds, the stronger presence of the witches, and the increasing Christian mythology aspects. I’m hoping yo complete the series this year. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-18 22:32:25 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2264881526 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2266113149 I hadn’t realised that this was a sequel to another short series but it didn’t matter in terms of understanding what’s going on. It’s a dark fantasy romance with an emphasis on the romance. Some cool ideas but overall I wasn’t hooked or inspired to get it for the library. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-20 11:38:25 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2266113149 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2266484955 Back on this horse, might even finish this whole series. It’s a fine little old tangle by this point but the shift to the female characters has kept it fresh and energetic. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-21 11:55:17 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2266484955 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2270777772 This is another book I read based on students' recommendations. It's a romance built on a spine of a medical condition, with a twist that you may well see coming but welcome. For me, the appeal comes from the strength of voice developed for the central character/narrator, her humour, intelligence. I also appreciated the multi-modal nature of the text, which I think makes it more accessible and fun for a wider variety of readers. Read in August]]> 2022-08-25 01:15:27 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2270777772 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2270819834 I tell students to stop reading something if they’re not enjoying it and have little hope of it improving. So, why did I keep reading this until around the 200 page mark? I like horror films, including the ones riffed on in this novel (which imagines that all the films were based on real murders and tells the story of the real surviving ‘final girls’). I was interested in what others have called the feminist intentions of the book. I like humour mixed with gross violence (!). But, EVENTUALLY,  I realised I was not looking forward to reading it and just found it  annoying. The vibe was like listening to someone who thinks they’re real smart and edgy but are just boring. It’s also very cheesy North American for me and has that ‘written for TV’ feel to it. Quit in August.]]> 2022-08-25 01:52:23 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2270819834 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2271010420 This volume really ramps up the ‘oh I’ve just remembered something important’ and ‘I know who The Friend is now’ drama but at least some answers are coming. Having said that, with 10 more volumes to go, I imagine these are red herrings. There are some very nice wordless scene changes in this volume. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-25 05:11:12 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2271010420 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2271056717 So… No red herring, instead we get some deadly salted salmon! At this point the whole ‘who is The Friend?’ mystery appears to have been cleared up and we’re swinging into The Race Against The Deadly Virus part 2. Perhaps that means all the flashbacks will end too. That’s probably a good thing. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-25 05:59:52 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2271056717 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2273355395 And then this volume returns to the flashbacks (triggered by another return - to the virtual world game) and mystery reveals! I think I will finish this series though, eventually! Read in August.]]> 2022-08-27 11:11:43 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2273355395 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2273648118 This is an autobiographical graphic novel about the author's time as a junior ice skater. Of course it's really about so much more. The art is typically beautiful: simplistic at first glance but detailed and varied with dots and splashes of colour and silent panels to tell the emotional story. The vibe is sad, isolated, distant, hurt and confused but also empowering. It felt similar to the Tamakis' Skim, in that way, for me. Read in August]]> 2022-08-28 05:45:07 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2273648118 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2273749398 Are we in the home straight? There's still 7 books to go! But yes, the second and (final?) catastrophe is upon us. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-28 11:58:52 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2273749398 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2275854093 Picked this up based on its popularity, part one of a trilogy. It's an all-action space adventure that seems written to both embrace cliches and be self aware of them. It's certainly a page-turner and manages to incorporate other genres like heist capers and teen romance. At this point I'm not sure if I'll read the other parts but my only real qualm is how the sassy/quippy voice seems plugged into a 12-15 year old feel but the constant sexualisation feels older. So you have characters who behave like 17-19 year olds but talk like they're younger. Probably just splitting hairs here. Read in August.]]> 2022-08-30 06:50:23 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2275854093 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2280395165 This is a collection of short stories that feel like modern fairytales, of the eerie or gruesome kind. Some parts actually made me wince. It’s fantastic and darkly humorous and, I’d say, feminist. Read in August/September.]]> 2022-09-02 06:49:33 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2280395165 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2281780980 This arc ia a quest to find Dream’s brother, Destruction. It’s a road trip, driven by their sister, Delirium and sows the seeds for the end of the Endless. As always there are some great characters, masterful set pieces and rich allusions to history, philosophy and literature. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-04 05:19:58 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2281780980 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2284040247 This is a boys' manga about a very shy lad who meets a girl who has a massive crush on him and takes him on as a kind of project. It treads a fine line between cute and annoying! Plus there's a strong 'magical pixie girl' element to Kubo, which isn't my bag. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-06 05:35:57 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2284040247 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2284451543 This is a page a day for a whole year so n the life of the author. We see the humdrum and the epiphanies, the little moments of sadness and joy and the moments that will change your life. It’s a good one to read slowly and reflect on your own life. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-06 11:17:41 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2284451543 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2285774975 This is a collection of tales framed by a group of people from different worlds meeting in an inn and sharing stories. There's a big event happening in the world of The Sandman too, which is hinted at in the last chapter. A good little breather before the home straight. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-07 04:12:08 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2285774975 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2288054073 We’re now in a post-apocalyptic Neo Tokyo and the Mad Max/Escape From New York vibes are strong. But the trippy metaphysical threads are also present
amongst the non-stop survivalist action. You just have to pause and admire the talent this guy has for frenetic pace and detailed art. Has anyone been better at drawing massive collapsing architecture? The constant threat of violence, including sexual assault is countered with all-action female badasses. Misanthropic and heroic at the turn of a page. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-08 12:06:23 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2288054073 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2290437294 This is a recent autobiographical manga marked for 16+ ages about realising you are a minority within a minority and struggling with a lack of understanding of and connection to the wider world, the queer world and your own self. It’s open and honest and wants to educate as well. I feel like this book will be appreciated by a wide range of people. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-10 04:06:11 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2290437294 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2292168039 This is a really cute and fun teen superhero story that keeps it real while still delivering a little action at the end. Most of the drama is of the mother/daughter and expectations/frustrations variety but the voices feel authentic and the art is bright and inventive. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-12 11:59:29 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2292168039 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2295348954 A juicy dazzler full of magical weirdism! This is such a rich, fragrant, surprising novel and astonishing work of imagination. We get love, sex, politics, intolerance, race, cookery and addiction and more, all explored, sprinkled with magic. This was a recommendation from a friend and I’m glad I picked it up, a reminder to keep my eyes peeled for the types of adult fiction I enjoy. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-14 00:36:51 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2295348954 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2296263010 This is a witchy story of inclusion and acceptance, with a focus on black and female characters. Funny and tender. The swampy bayou setting, the motorbike racing granny and the three-legged dog made it for me. A good one for work. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-14 12:41:14 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2296263010 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2302822387 The penultimate collection is an epic tragedy of Dream’s end, the summation of his changed relationship to humanity and a downward race to destruction and rebirth. His passivity is revealed as having been masking his half aware manipulation and desire for punishment and change. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-19 11:46:45 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2302822387 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2302863813 Amazing short stories that are witty, horrifying and moving, all at once. There’s magical realism and post modern horror but also a sense of deep commitment to real world trauma and lived issues. I’d been intending on reading this for a while and a friend’s post prompted me to go in, seeing as I’ve recently been mixing in more adult fiction with my reading for work. Very impressed. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-19 12:18:52 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2302863813 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2304630768 Finally managed to return to this after volumes 2-4 arrived at my local library. The art feels a little weak at times but it still has impact and dynamism. The difficulties of coming out and various sensitivities and frustrations are explored and the background of the growing fashion brand is a driving narrative force. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-20 09:54:33 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2304630768 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2304652482 Might as well steam ahead with this one! This volume closes the circle on the outing incident with a reverse story and exploring non binary identities or those who resist any label and are uncertain of themselves. The supportive threads across identities and general ally-ship remain strong. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-20 10:11:06 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2304652482 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2304715618 Well that’s the end. A short series, which feels like it deserves to be revisited in the future with a second short series too. The ending keeps it real and lowkey, even if part of me wanted a more ‘Hollywood’ ending. Read in September ]]> 2022-09-20 10:57:17 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2304715618 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2306324619 We're mostly in the post-apocalyptic world now and The Friend's society is crumbling from within and without. The use of music, secret broadcasts, tunnels, lost songs and hideouts tells us something is rising from below. It's impressive what's been done with this story, impressively drawn out too (!) but I'm hopeful for an epic ending in the closing volumes. Read in September]]> 2022-09-21 07:14:07 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2306324619 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2308225347 I can't remember why I picked this up from the library, perhaps popularity or that it started as a light novel (a genre I want to educate myself about for work). Anyhow, not my bag, it's comedy, romance, mystery (and supernatural later, I found out) but the depictions of the girls are icky and it's all very silly boys stuff, despite being set in a first year at university! Read in September.]]> 2022-09-22 06:58:33 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2308225347 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2309849291 This is more like it! A student recommendation and a bit hit. Genuinely funny and the weird mix of comedy, action and sympathetic family/relationship drama is all handled well. The pseudo-European world is fun and the art is dynamic. I'll continue reading this one. Read in September]]> 2022-09-23 03:21:22 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2309849291 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2309953164 Checking out this cute romance, thanks to its popularity and the incoming live action Netflix series. Super sweet. We have the first few volumes on our shelves already. Read in September. ]]> 2022-09-23 05:12:46 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2309953164 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2311901879 Here we are at the end. It's mostly a saying goodbye, to all the characters, not just the main one, some tying up of loose ends, some loosening of knots. It was great to revisit the stories I had read before and to experience the ones I had not. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-25 00:21:56 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2311901879 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2312169840 This is sweet but oddly felt both rushed and elliptical. There’s also a strange passivity to the central character who is kinda outed and rushed along, perhaps that’s true to life, though. It works best for me when the art switches from realistic to metaphorical, but that’s probably just my taste. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-25 11:42:43 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2312169840 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2313464913 Who’s coming back? Who really died? Is one person really two? Mysteries still abound and there’s a hippie revolution on the way! Read in September.]]> 2022-09-26 11:38:34 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2313464913 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2317341235 Although not immediately apparent, this is the first book and doesn’t end with a finished story. It comes on as a awkward mix of boys love cuteness, high school DRAMA and tough guy hard knocks realism. The sepia, pencil style art is interesting but makes it feel distant. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-28 12:02:18 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2317341235 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2320201955 This volume cribs from western and samurai films to create a break out and break in adventure, most enjoyable. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-29 23:58:40 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2320201955 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2320264407 My local library couldn’t get in vol. 2 so I read a summary and jumped into 3. Still that great blend of humour, genre situations and silliness. Definitely a fun series for work. Read in September.]]> 2022-09-30 00:56:50 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2320264407 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2321804257 Although there's probably a little too much going back and forward in the post-apocalyptic parts of the story, like returning to the same places and multiple rescues but... this was another fun volume. Various factions are combining to take on Tetsuo and Akira so there's a more natural momentum building, rather than the full throttle action of previous volumes.]]> 2022-10-01 05:15:17 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2321804257 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2322369799 Decided to check out this blockbuster series, in consideration for work. This is the prequel volume. At first I wasn't sure about it but it grew on me. It's kind of a horror battle manga but the whole world/mythology seems fun and there's lots of humour. I'll read volumes 1 & 2 or something and decide. Read in September.]]> 2022-10-02 03:17:48 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2322369799 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2322527953 This short story collection started well for me but I gradually felt less involved, even if I finished it. The stories are a blend of modern, sarcastic, pop culture-referencing, self-aware narratives and speculative fiction or magical realism. Sadly, I think my prejudice against North American humorist writers got the better of this experience. Read in September-October.]]> 2022-10-02 11:13:15 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2322527953 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2323536754 Back to the straight up filler or back-filler with this volume whereby we see some previous events from other characters’ perspective and find out where
some other folks have been. Two more to go! Read in October.]]> 2022-10-03 11:07:57 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2323536754 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2325266001 After I'm finished with this I really want to look up some commentary or criticism about the story. There's so much in there but the parts that interest me the most are the literal application of a kids' idea of a story applied to the 'real' world and the focus on the world Expo events. Anyhow, penultimate volume! Read in October.]]> 2022-10-04 08:33:39 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2325266001 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2328387931 Everyone comes back for the end of the story... Yet it's not really the end because the 'sequel' 21st Century Boys is actually the end of the story, so now I have to go and find that (my local library can't get it!). Read in October.]]> 2022-10-05 23:22:15 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2328387931 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2331779720 Picked this up based on it's popularity and but it didn't really grab me. I wasn't so into the art or the dialogue. Ah well! Read in October.]]> 2022-10-08 08:54:40 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2331779720 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2334573798 This has been a big hit and I finally caught up with it. AMAZING. A combined picture/text work that is beautiful, disturbing, mysterious and emotional. It's a dark techno-dystopia with survivalist elements and feels something like a video game mixed with an art show. Definitely want to read more by this guy and will probably get a copy of this for myself, lots of re-reading potential! Netflix film incoming too. Read in October]]> 2022-10-11 03:57:19 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2334573798 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2334603517 Teen angst with a dark superpower element. So much packed into such a small, simple-looking book. It's pretty full on with lots that might trigger people, reader beware! I suspect lots more people are reading this based on the Netflix series. Read in October.]]> 2022-10-11 04:30:06 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2334603517 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2336040273 This is my second 'major' fantasy series, after Earthsea. Possibly I enjoyed the writing less in this one, possibly because the author had places they 'needed' to go and any 'wrap up' can feel a bit too 'plotted'. Others had warned me that this part leans a lot on philosophy and the religious elements. For me it was more the influences of classical myth that were stronger and the 'epic' vibe of world saving/shattering battles, life and death, beginnings and endings. However, although I preferred Earthsea overall, I would recommend this to students and am happy I gave this a go. Read in October.]]> 2022-10-11 22:34:57 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2336040273 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2337823103 Gave this bestseller a go as I was looking for more ‘grown up’ books with broad appeal but safe to recommend to young students. There are clichés and a very plain prose style but the characters and gentle weirdness of the setting and set up are charming. There are three books and an upcoming TV series. Read in October.]]> 2022-10-13 00:20:44 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2337823103 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2337976696 This is an epic, single volume manga that mixes a steampunk world, philosophical musings on religion and humanity, and almost Studio Ghibli approach to character . Sad and engrossing. Read in October.]]> 2022-10-13 02:23:45 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2337976696 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2338035525 Cute, pretty standard love triangle high school romance with a photography angle. At just three volumes, this might be worth picking up for work.]]> 2022-10-13 03:13:22 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2338035525 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2342976050 This kinda thing weirds me out. At times funny in that way over the top way but totally ruined by the distasteful sexualisation and use of food metaphors for near pleasure. Icky. Read in October.]]> 2022-10-17 11:00:16 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2342976050 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2346824672 I was looking at borrowing stats at work and saw this was popular so decided to check it out. It’s very cute, well paced and will make you hungry for various odd looking (to me) midwest USA autumn snacks. Read in October.]]> 2022-10-19 11:27:36 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2346824672 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2348020311 Another student favourite and winner here. Two people meet at fan convention with their embarrassing but very sweet parents. Excellent use of the quiet space and reading time to contrast with the hectic convention and witty banter. Read in October.]]> 2022-10-20 00:27:26 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2348020311 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2348522251 The ending features multiple explosions, endless destruction, and many scenes where characters just shout each other's names! Yet somehow it's gripping and a satisfying conclusion! Read in October.]]> 2022-10-20 06:59:49 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2348522251 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2351386893 So, this follow-up, two-volume story promises to end the whole saga… by continuing the whole ‘who is he?’ mystery and the impending world doom drama. It feels like one more turn of the wheel but the quality remains high. Read in October.]]> 2022-10-22 02:23:50 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2351386893 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2352010357 The end. The whole ‘story about stories’ and ‘manga about manga’ meta stuff is driven home here, nicely reaffirming and celebrating what this story is really about. Give me a few years and I may even read it all again!]]> 2022-10-23 01:51:40 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2352010357 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2353325536 This novel (and not a graphic novel or manhua, as it may seem from the cover) was a student recommendation. I was warned that the translation might not be that good, and I had tried a fan translation of another of this same author's work where the translation was really dire. Thankfully, after the first awkward chapter, I thought the translation worked in English. This is a queer story but nothing really happens of that nature in the first book, where we get taken on different fun and often hilarious demon battling adventures. As I understand it the danmei (boys' love) elements ramp up in volume two, so we'll see. So far it's really entertaining. Read in October.]]> 2022-10-24 10:07:18 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2353325536 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2353391549 Nice to return to this sweet and intriguing series. I feel like I want to gift this to my son when he can read! Always so much wonder and joy. Read in October.]]> 2022-10-24 11:12:36 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2353391549 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2355261508 This is a rich, compassionate, self-questioning and enlightening non-fiction compendium of thematic interviews and autobiography concerning gender, imaginatively and artfully told. Super rich, inspiring and thought provoking. Read in October.]]> 2022-10-25 11:23:57 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2355261508 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2358063055 Mixed feelings about this one. Positives: the dripping neon art, the playful and modernising approach to classic mythology, the foregrounding of relationships and gender politics, a sensitive tackling of coercive and controlling behaviours. Negatives: the mode is soapy teen drama, obviously the original myths have that 'soapiness' in them but there's a choppiness to dialogue that distances me from the story, even when the artwork is doing great things to create emotion. The pitch is something like 'the gods as glamorously rich and nasty party fiends' but I probably wouldn't enjoy a story about regular glamorously rich and nasty party fiends, so being gods can't improve on that! Cynically, you're always going to do well 'updating the classics to the kids' but the artwork is great and I'm interested in how webcomics are changing printed graphic novels. Read in October.]]> 2022-10-26 22:46:41 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2358063055 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2361344287 This is an in-depth look at parent loss, cancer and grief in general. Feder uses a deceptively simple style to present complex, self-aware, humorous and metaphorical takes on her own experience in ways that make it relateable. Very nicely done.]]> 2022-10-29 07:38:38 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2361344287 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2362544267 And there’s still no raunchy bits, hahaha! These books are rated 17+ by the publishers and I had been led to believe this was for the sexual content but it’s all incredibly innocent and gentle so far: an accidental kiss, a brush if skin. So perhaps it’s about the horror elements? Those can be a little gross but it’s all fantasy style monster slaying. I can’t help but feel that, at least so far, the rating is about the fact it’s all very gently homoerotic. Perhaps the relationship will develop more now our two heroes are on the run. In any case this is still heaps of fun and, obviously intentionally, very funny in places too. Read in October.]]> 2022-10-31 01:52:07 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2362544267 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2366057127 It's been great reading these old stories. I had a few Usagi comics as a kid and loved them. Going back to these old stories and filling in all the gaps is nostalgic and fun. It's a bit like the feeling people my age get from watching old classic adventure films like the Indian Jones series. This volume ends with the epic political action story 'The Dragon Bellow Conspiracy' which, I kid you not, is almost Shakespearean in construction! Finished in November but read in bits and pieces all year. ]]> 2022-11-02 04:26:56 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2366057127 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2367554336 This is certainly quite a magnificent achievement in graphic novel form, with a palette and mood similar to the classic Blankets. I had something nagging at me from about halfway through. The story is inspired by the author's own life but given a supernatural 'deal with death' spin and an added superpowers/wish fulfillment angle (which is pretty cool) but... The tortured artist and, sorry to say it, the 'pixie dream girl' relationship just became annoying for me. There's something else in here, a very old-fashioned idealisation of male/female characters that troubles me. It's folksy and, I feel, sexist, really. I'd love to read a feminist analysis of this book. Read in November.

]]> 2022-11-03 00:53:00 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2367554336 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2368046595 Another really enjoyable volume! The fact that this whole volume only covers one short plan battle against the kaiju (plus all the side stories) makes me think this could be another epic from Urasawa! Read in November]]> 2022-11-03 08:16:33 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2368046595 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2372212904 A bit more silliness in this volume which is kinda a filler just hinting more at various secrets. Read in November.]]> 2022-11-07 01:44:59 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2372212904 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2374755801 Went in for the first issue, proper, after enjoying the ‘0’ volume. Not feeling it now. There are some fun ideas but it’s all too jumpy and fast for me now. Read in November.]]> 2022-11-08 10:31:52 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2374755801 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2384589910 A bit disappointing this one. It was mentioned by a student and I can see it’s highly-rated, and yes, I finished it and it’s ‘powerful’ in a simple way but I didn’t enjoy it. Which of course people may say is the point but misunderstands what I mean. The writing is cold (which is also ‘the point’, I imagine), and the plot pared down and functional (again, ‘the point’, fans would argue) but it feels artless (‘the point’?) and clumsy. It just wasn’t interesting to me. One of those books which is almost immune to criticism because it clearly stakes a case for why eating meat is terrible and dehumanising and it’s hard to argue with that but you pretty much are being served an abattoir tour with a cliched narrator. Read in November.]]> 2022-11-15 10:48:51 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2384589910 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2387703082 This was something I'd seen around on 'best of' lists and then a student recommended it to me. I've not read the creator's One-Punch Man yet, so I wasn't familiar with the humorous nature of their style. Anyhow, genuinely funny and a mix of Akira, Jujutsu Kaisen style demon-battling and even a nod to 20th Century Boys with the cult storyline. The art style is kind of indie comics style, which I got into. Anyhow, good stuff. I'll read more. Read in November.]]> 2022-11-17 04:28:11 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2387703082 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2389455952 This guy is amazing but perhaps not for everyone. There’s a very ‘indie film’ and collage vibe to his work which is both humorous and sad, intellectual and pop culture. I enjoyed his previous trilogy but this was even better, perhaps because it connects so much with the work of W. G. Sebald, which I have a soft spot for. Read in November.]]> 2022-11-18 05:46:31 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2389455952 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2391333134 This volume centres around the amusingly downbeat and anticlimactic meeting of two superpowered psychos as well as some funny diversions. I borrowed 3 volumes so I’ll check out the next one. I feel like I would’ve loved this as a kid. Read in November.]]> 2022-11-20 10:35:12 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2391333134 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2394942037 My favourite stories in this collection were the first and last ones, perhaps because of the Footscray settings but also as a result of the more experimental approach. Overall I found the other stories a bit too predictable and weighted down by the need to name things in order to connect to the various settings. I checked out a review of this book, after finishing and I agree that the presentation of marginalised voices is strong, if suspect at times (how much do we apply 'own voices'? How much can a marginalised voice claim to speak for other marginalised voices?). The use of dialect and speech patterns in general is excellent but hardly 'doing of unheard things' the book's epigram promises. Read in November. ]]> 2022-11-23 02:27:41 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2394942037 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2398871199 This a fun spin on the Peter Pan story with a smart, jokey and sensitive treatment alongside all the adventures. A good one for the junior school I think. Read in November. 

]]> 2022-11-27 04:50:17 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2398871199 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2401684651 This is a fun murder mystery written and set in 1880’s Melbourne. There’s lots of humour and literary references, as was the style then. I enjoy ‘dated’ books where the writer clearly thought of themselves as very modern at the time. What’s dryly amusing is that the sexist (and other) attitudes of the characters are challenged by other characters and generally haven’t changed that much. Read in November.]]> 2022-11-29 10:34:34 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2401684651 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2406068930 This is a popular book from work and, from what I gather has been a blockbuster for a long time. It was fun. I thought the characters were full and interesting and the switch between first person documents and third person narrative worked well. It's all completely improbable and relies on a lot of the reader ignoring very convenient coincidences and lapses. Annoyingly the victim of the hit and run is completely hung out to dry! Read in November/December.]]> 2022-12-02 03:04:45 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2406068930 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2406155440 I wasn’t into this one. It feels a bit too much of everything: vampires, demons, post apocalyptic, training school, high school… just so much thrown at the wall! The dialogue was uninspiring too, yes in translation. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-02 04:50:33 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2406155440 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2406196295 A different disaster but familiar territory for Stålenhag. This one is darker, simpler and more moralistic yet also miasmatic in the art and the narrative. Depressing and beautiful. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-02 05:30:19 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2406196295 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2408297302 Waaaaaaaa! This was mostly fun. It's a time-slip book about reconciliation and reparations through young teen characters. Cliched and predictable in places and, as with many YA books, almost all dialogue and rapid pacing, which isn't my bag. But, overall, a good book to recommend students who enjoyed Inheritance or Catching Teller Crow, if not as interesting. I note that there is some quite dubious white saviour threads here and unsatisfactory use of mostly passive Aboriginal characters, despite the efforts of the author. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-04 22:06:56 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2408297302 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2411969713 This caught my eye and is very impressive.  It’s a fantasy series with horror elements and set in a richly imagined and original matriarchal society. The artwork is detailed and draws on what feels like a wide range of influences. There’s so much going on in this first volume thay it’s almost overwhelming, or I’m just tired. I’ll read on. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-07 10:24:48 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2411969713 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2413909874 This has been a hit with students and staff at work so went on my to be read list early on. The world Pacat builds feels built upon many others but still manages to be distinct and delivered with vitality. The twists or reversals felt a bit too dense for me but I appreciate that's both part of the genre and also likely a strong factor in the book's success. I'll read the second when it is published next year. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-08 05:51:03 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2413909874 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2414172538 DC Comics seem to have a few of these standalone graphic novels authored by prominent YA prose fiction writers. It seems all very win/win but feels like a bit of a marketing ploy. The art, especially the colours, of this is great but the writing amd characterisation, less so. It makes me wonder if prose writers can easily jump over to comics. Is E Lockhart a comics reader themselves? Is the writing constrained by needing to fit a one shot story? The Harley Quinn book I read earlier is quite similar to this in many ways but superior in every way. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-08 11:01:02 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2414172538 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2417287008 There’s still so much going on that I feel a little lost at times but this volume benefits from a central quest/journey. The art is so, so, good. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-12 04:35:08 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2417287008 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2418887690 This is a solid junior graphic novel about a 12 year old student journalist uncovering environmental crimes and corruption in her town whilst managing a crush, friendships and family. A good one for our junior school. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-13 08:38:04 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2418887690 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2420153597 This is a little book bursting with colour, rage and enlightenment. An impressive distillation of the big concepts around intersectionality but introduced in a cosy, welcoming way. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-14 06:07:32 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2420153597 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2421457026 This is another DC YA graphic novel, featuring a teen version of Wonder Woman's sister trying to be normal against a tide of systemic racism and privilege. It's a little too neat and tidy and some may find the dialogue a little forced but overall it looks great, reads well and is a clear attempt to ground teen superhero stories in real, live issues and, well, the mess of life. Read in December. ]]> 2022-12-15 05:59:28 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2421457026 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2423932168 I picked this as it’s popular with both teachers and students (and the much of the rest of the world). I enjoyed it, the style is lightly archaic but also radiantly modern. I came to realise, however, that this type of polished ‘literary fiction’ is not my favourite. It’s all well done, like an Oscar-winning film but, for ‘mature’ books I prefer something weirder. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-18 09:30:11 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2423932168 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2423954198 This is a downbeat adult indie graphic novel that feels so real, despite or because of the impressively mixed styles and disconnected characters. Most people will recognise themselves or others in the situations and small but heartbreaking moments and dialogue. Top drawer. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-18 10:42:37 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2423954198 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2424609997 Well, it’s messy and unresolved but this may be my favourite of the DC YA graphic novels (so far). It’s a family secret magic drama wrapped in a puff of neon cotton candy and lots of fun. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-19 09:29:39 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2424609997 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2427216980 I wanted to check this one out but could only find volume 2; it didn't matter! It's fun, it's a sports manga-inspired rivalry story with queer undertones. Like all sports stories of this kind there's also an attempt to educate readers about the rules and complexities of the sport at hand. It's fun but I'm not really a sports comic type of person. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-22 05:15:24 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2427216980 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2427393329 This is a cute/sad slowly developing romance between two girls, set at a high school and based around an aquarium club at the school. The art is good and the tonal shifts from exaggerated humour to interior emotions is handled well.  a consideration for work! Read in December. ]]> 2022-12-22 11:13:00 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2427393329 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2427830275 I can’t remember why I picked up this YA horror. It was OK, some set pieces workwd well, but other parts felt cliched, tonally weird or trying to be mysterious and self-aware but not pulling it off. There’s some deeply odd morality and glossed over nonsense/plot holes too. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-23 04:14:20 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2427830275 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2428888140 I had great fun re-reading these stories
and filling in the many gaps. I just love this bunny, the cinematic art and the classic storytelling. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-26 10:57:40 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2428888140 zinckea https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2430806834 I wanted to check out this popular series, honestly partly because of the name (the origin of which I now know). I see the appeal, it's got cute and zany humour, detailed and dynamic art and (what feels to me like) an original take on the school exorcism vibe. Read in December.]]> 2022-12-31 00:08:13 UTC https://padlet.com/zinckea/akuqu5576c3rcvno/wish/2430806834