by Lucy Softich

Fables Vol. 1: Legends in Exile, by Bill Willingham
$9.99

Plot
Once upon a time, creatures and figures of legend lived in worlds apart, strangers to even each other. Until the Advesary came, and drove the survives into our world–to live amongst the Mundanes as best the can.

In this back-drop, Bigby Wolf (the sheriff) and Deputy Mayor Snow White are working to solve a gristly mystery—the disappearance or murder of Snow White’s own sister, Rose Red.

First Impressions
I’ve heard a lot of good things about this series, especially the early volumes, and it was about time I finally picked it up. I’m also a big fan of re-imagined fairy tales, especially when they take a dark, adult turn.

Lasting Impressions
While it was a tad kooky at times, I was won over by Fables pretty fast. It takes classic characters, and develops them in new and interesting ways. It’s also clearly working from actual fairy tales, not the sugar-coated versions, and there are a lot of lesser-known legends sprinkled about. It reminded me of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series, in all the best ways, and I’ll definitely be picking up more of the series.

Audience
This story will be more appealing if you have a solid background in fairy tales, and it isn’t for kiddies. I’d rate it as 16+ for blood and swearing. Adults will definitely get a kick out of it.

by Lucy Softich

Nightmares & Fairy Tales Vol. 1: Once Upon a Time…, by Serena Valentino & FSc
$14.95

Plot
The doll Annabelle has been witness to some terrible things. For some reason, where ever she goes, sadness and violence are all around her; whether caused by her, or simply a sad coincidence, even she isn’t sure. From ill-fated lovers to fairy tales gone wrong, Annabelle has seen it all.

First Impressions
I got this book on a recommendation from a friend, and am always intrigued by tweaked fairy tales and Gothic sensitivities. There was also something deliciously haunting about the artwork, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Lasting Impressions
There is something deeply unsettling about this book, and that’s what makes it so much fun. The art is beautiful and very creepy, and the stories are equally so. Even the stories that end “happy” — meaning the protagonist survives and the antagonists pay for their misdeeds — leave you ill at ease. But the characters are very engaging, Annabelle especially, and I can’t wait to see where this series goes from here.

Behind the Scenes
There is some lovely guest art at the back, and a few pages of the original script. It’s always cool to compare script pages to finished comic panels.

Audience
Fans of Niel Gaimen’s Coraline, and pretty much anything by Tim Burton, will probably really love this series. That said, it’s not for the kiddies. I’d mark it as 13+, for violence; there’s a lot of blood in this book.

by Lucy Softich

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney
$13.85 (hardback)

Plot
Greg’s mom is making him keep a journal (NOT a diary–he specifically told her to buy one that didn’t have the word ‘diary’ on the front, but did she listen?). But don’t expect him to get all mushy on you or anything. He will, however, reveal the pranks he plays on his best friend, the story of the dreaded Cheese Touch, and all his misadventures in middle school.

First Impressions
I’ve been curious to read this book for awhile, because it gets talked a lot about. Kids love it, parents and teachers hate it, and it is a really interesting illustrated novel, that combines super simplistic comic-style drawing with text.

Lasting Impressions
This was not exactly my type of book, but if I were eight years old, I know I’d love it. So many of Greg’s plans reminded me a lot of things I did as a kid, and some of his observations are hilarious. He’s self-centured and mischievious, but what kid isn’t?

To be fair, his isn’t a literary masterpiece, but it isn’t supposed to be. It’s witty and hilarious, and Jeff Kinney is definitely channeling his inner child.

Audience
This is a great book for kids, probably from elementary to middle school. Parents might have some reservations, but this is a great book for “reluctant readers” and a hilarious book to share with your kids. If you have issues with some of Greg’s actions, you might consider using them as a jumping-off point for talking to your kids about bullying, school mischief, etc.

by Lucy Softich

Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword, by Barry Deutsch
$15.95

Plot
Mirka lives in an all-Jewish town, with her father, stepmother, little brother, and a cast of sisters. Her stepmother is trying to teach her to be a perfect lady—but Mirka just wants to fight dragons and have adventures.

First Impressions
I read this book on a recommendation from one of my roommates, and in her words “there just aren’t enough fantasy-books about Jewish girls.” I was truly charmed by the premise, because she’s very right, and Mirka’s story has all the feel of a classic hero’s adventure. It’s also by a local Portland author, which is always a plus!

Lasting Impressions
I was charmed by Mirka, and her entire world was fascinating and well developed. It really does remind me of an old fairytale, but with a spunky and stubborn female protagonist. Mirka deals not only with a pig out for revenge, a troll, and a dubious witch, but also a good spattering of family drama. Through it all, the book also conveys a really interesting view of Mirka’s culture.

Audience
This book will be a fun read for anyone 8+, and will charm boys as well as girls. Mirka’s a hero we can all really identify with.

Publisher’s Note
I have had the opportunity to meet Barry Deutsch on several occasion at various comics conventions. He’s a great guy who loves his work, justifiably so. If you get the chance, say hi the next time you see him at a show. —Bo

by Lucy Softich
Babymouse, Vol. 1: Queen of the World, by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
$5.95

Plot
Babymouse’s life is typical–boring day, boring school, boring homework. But she dares to dream big. Queen of the World, big. The one thing standing in her way is Felicia Furrypaws, the current queen of the school, but Babymouse just knows if she can get invited to Felicia’s big slumber party, her life will change forever.

First Impressions
I stumbled upon this book while doing research for a Children’s Books class I took (have I mentioned my school rocks?), and I was initially intrigued by the premise–a “literary” graphic novel (as opposed to “comic book”) for kids. I was quickly won over by the adorable herioine and charming plot.

Lasting Impressions
This really is an adorable book. Babymouse is very easy to relate to. She reminds me a lot of myself at her age. She’s unique, free-spirited, and knows how to have fun. She also has a very active imagination. It’s also a visually stunning book; I love the choice of doing black and white with one color, pink, and they play up the color and Babymouse’s iconic heart throughout the book. The writing is also really tight and hilarious.

Audience
I think the primary audience for this book is kids from about 3rd grade on, but there are references and tight writing that older readers will enjoy as well.

by Lucy Softich

The Unwritten Vol. 1: Tommy Taylor and the Bogus Identity, by Mike Carey and Peter Gross
$9.99

Plot
Wilson Taylor, the author of the famed Tommy Taylor book series, disappeared mysteriously before he could publish the 14th book in his series. However, he left behind more than disappointed fans; Wilson left behind a son. Tom Taylor bears a striking resemblance to his father’s fictional creation of the same name, and has been riding that fame for years (much to his embarrassment and shame). But the world is changing. Certain facts about Tom’s identity come to light, leaving even him wondering: what if stories were more powerful than we ever imagined?

First Impressions
I picked this book up on a whim at Powell’s (I believe it had a “recommended” sign all it’s very own), based mainly on the lovely cover. It also contains a twisted spoof of Harry Potter, and being a cynical yet devoted fan, I couldn’t resist. I’m also a sucker for anything that pushes the boundaries of reality and blurs the line between fact and fiction.

Lasting Impressions
Some stories stay with you because they feel eerily real, despite impossible circumstance. The Unwritten is one of those stories. The fan reaction in the book (some threaten Tom and call him a fraud, and others literally worship him) seems very close to things I’ve seen fanatical fans do. It’s reality to the n-nth degree, and that’s one thing I love about speculative fiction. The story is compelling, and I can’t wait to get the second volume!

Behind the Scenes
In the back of the book, there is a section which lays out the original text of the opening, along with concept art of the first few pages, and the covers. It’s really cool to see the process a story goes through from text to graphic novel.

Audience
A must-read for fans and haters of Harry Potter, and really anyone who’s been touched by fan obsession. There’s really a lot here for any reader, a lot of thoughtful discussion of what happens when a story becomes more than just words on paper.

This is another book for older readers, probably 16+. There’s some swearing and some graphic violence, and a lot of literary references which may be lost on younger readers.

by Lucy Softich

Demo, by Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan
$19.95

Plot
Demo is a collection of twelve short stories, each revolving around a different cast of characters, all teens or young adults dealing with their own personal powers. In many cases, these powers are supernatural.

First Impressions
I first heard of Demo in a class I took on graphic novels (isn’t college awesome?). It wasn’t required reading, but one of the final presentation groups focused on it, and I’ve been eager to read it ever since. I’m a sucker for realistic portrayals of life with super powers, but what really attracted me visually is that each story has a separate art style, despite all being illustrated by the same artist.

Lasting Impressions
Each of the stories is touching, in some cases heart-wrenching, and feels very true to life (even when cars are exploding and characters are literally changing their shape). Even in such short snippets, you really get a feel for the individual characters. My only regret is that we don’t get to follow them for more chapters.

The art is, simply, stunning. Each chapter has a different style to it, and yet they still all manage to feel connected. The overall style is very manga-inspired, but the artist really runs with the style and makes it her own. Each page is a pleasure.

Audience
Demo is definitely for an older crowd, probably 16+. There’s some heavy swearing, and some mature themes that simply may not appeal to a younger audience. Fans of superheros who are looking for a more realistic take on the concept, or readers who normally shy away from superhero comics because of the exaggerated plot-lines, will both really enjoy Demo.

by Lucy Softich

Runaways #01: Pride and Joy (by various authors)
$7.99

Plot
Six teenagers find out that not only are their parents not as boring as they’d thought, but they’re actually a team of super villains. When they’re annual get-together proves to be much more than an annoying yearly reunion, Alex, Karolina, Gertrude, Chase, Molly, and Nico decide they can’t stand to live with their parents evil ways, and set out to live in hiding and possibly bring a end to their parents’ plans.

First Impressions
I was a bit turned off by the cover at first, but this series came highly recommended to me (and I was tired of my friends quoting it at me). I don’t know a whole lot about American superhero comics, so I was a bit worried about jumping into the Marvel world, but this book proved a great introduction, without being too clichéd.

Lasting Impressions
The characters in Runaways are not your parents superheros. They don’t have costumes or code names (despite Molly’s insistences), and they don’t make long speeches or perform impossible acts. They’re just teenagers, and they feel like teenagers. However, the series still has that feel for the fantastic which I’m [now] coming to associate with Marvel. It’s become one of my favorite series.

Behind the Scenes
I own the small trade paper (the $7.99 one) and it’s fine if you’re just checking out the series, but if you plan to reread the books ever I recommend buying the bigger $14.00 version. My little one is literally falling apart, and the art looks much better in the bigger version.

Audience
This is a great for new and old superhero fans a lot, and will appeal to teenagers of both gender, as well as some adults.

Publisher’s Note
For those of you looking to get a tast of what Marvel has to offer without diving head first into their universe, this title is a great place to start. The events and characters are “cannon” and part of the Marvel Universe, but they’re secondary characters without a deluge of backstory. Slip in and read! Good times! —Bo

by Lucy Softich

Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 1, by Hiromu Arakawa
$9.99 (new)

Plot
Set in psuedo-Europe, Fullmetal Alchemist follows to brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they search for the legendary Philosopher’s Stone. In an Alchemy accident as children, Edward lost an arm and a leg, and Alphonse lost his whole body (and now resides is a suit of armor), and only the Philosopher’s Stone can return them to normal…

In this first volume, Edward and Alphonse face religious corruption in a small town, and later find themselves in the midst of a train robbery, all with a bit of character background thrown in from time to time.

First Impressions
I’d heard about this series and seen images of it (and cosplay from it) long before I ever got around to reading or watching it. I assumed it was just another action/adventure manga that would go on way too long, awash with filler and minimalistic character development. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I was almost instantly charmed by the well-developed  characters and the complex story line. The hype was not for nothing.

Lasting Impressions
This series really pulls at my heart strings, without being overly sympathetic or sappy. It’s full of great action scenes and a very fast-paced plot, but the characters really make the series. That said, I’ve always felt the beginning was a little confusing. Vol. 1 isn’t bad, but it’s feels like a somewhat sloppy beginning to what is an otherwise fantastic series.

See Also
If the manga peaks your interest, it has been made into two anime series. The original, titled simply Fullmetal Alchemist, deviates from the manga after about Vol. 5, but the new series, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, supposedly follows the manga almost beat-perfect. There is also a movie follow-up to the original anime, but I found it very disapointing.

Audience
This genre is typically aimed at tween to teenage boys, but Fullmetal Alchemist has a wealth of stuff there for the female or older reader. It also boasts some of the best female characters I’m ever seen in manga/anime.