Book Review: The Stereotypical Freaks by Howard Shapiro

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Arc PDF
Pages: 154
Published: 14th Nov 2012
Publisher: Animal Media Group
Source: Author for Review
Genre: YA Graphic Novel, Music,
Buy: Amazon UK* I Amazon US I Book Depository UK* I Book Depository US*

Description:

Four desperate high school seniors come together to compete in their school's battle of the bands. Sharing a love for playing rock and roll, the members name the band "The Stereotypical Freaks" because they feel stereotyped by their classmates - smart kid, geek, star athlete and quiet weirdo… when in fact they know they are much more than those labels that have been placed on them. When one member reveals life altering news, winning the competition takes on more of a meaning to each member. Scared and angry, upset and yet still with a lot of resolve they set out to win one for the good guys… will they?

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Dark Swan Storm Born Comics #1 by Richelle Mead

Format: PDF
Pages: 36
Published: May 2011
Publisher: Sea Lion
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Buy Comic: Sea Lions Books
PreOrder Hardback Amazon: UK I US

Description:

Eugenie Markham never asked for any of this. Until now, she's been content with her job as a freelance shaman, battling and banishing Otherworldly creatures. When a prophecy suddenly makes her the Otherworld's most popular bachelorette, Eugenie finds herself fighting off unwanted supernatural suitors, as well as the evils that begin emerging from her past...

Review:

I was asked to review this comic by the publisher. Having only just gotten into graphic novels I thought I would give it a go. And I really enjoyed it. For such short installment its full of actions and thrills. 

I have never read Richelle Meads Dark Swan series. So I can't really judge on how the comic and novels compare. However, you don't need to read the novels to enjoy the comic. I was glued to it. The first installment follows Eugenie fight supernatural creatures, makes tough descisions on a mission that could be very dangerous and it sees her letting loose and having some fun sexy times.

Eugenie is kickass!! Seriously she is awesome, strong and funny I really like characters that have a lighter side and Eugenie does. Richelle Mead really knows how to create some kick ass female characters. Eugenie kind of reminds of a little of Rose from VA Series just because they are both strong females you can kick you arse without breaking into a sweat lol.

Apart from an action pack story line the comic itself is very attractive. I like that it was full of colour and that artwork is well just freaking amazing. You can see the emotions on the characters faces everything just flows wonderfully between the pictures and the text.

As mentioned at the start for a comic with only 36 pages its packed with action and gives you a great taster of whats to come. I now can't wait to read the next installement. If you like urban fantasy with an awesome story or if you just like Richelle Mead then pick this up. Right now there is three installements out fourth coming soon. And there is also the hardback that has all four in one book. So check it out. You won't be disappointed!!


Rate: 4/5

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Vampire Academy: A Graphic Novel by Richelle Mead

Adapted by Leigh Dragoon & Illustrated by Emma Vieceli

Format: Paperback
Pages: 144
Publshed: 23rd Aug 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Genre: YA Paranormal

Description:
St Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school - hidden away, it's a place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them.

Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St Vladimir's where the girls must survive a world of forbidden romances, a ruthless social scene and terrifying night time rituals. But most of all, they must stay alive.

Review:
We have alll heard of the Vampire Academy series. And if you haven't have you been living under a rock? It is one of my favourite series because its packed with action romance and yummy males lol. When I first seen it was getting adapted into a graphic novel I was unsure. Not being a big Graphic Novel I wasn't sure if I was only to like it. So when I was given the chance to review the book I thought I would give it ago and Im so glad I did.

Vampire Academy is about two teenager girl who are dragged back to school after running away two years before. Rose is a dhampir, half human - half moroi. She is strong, indepentent and has a hell of a mouth on her that if forever getting her into trouble. Lissa is a Moroi princess, a mortal vampire. She has the looks of an angel and very at times very vulnerable. They have been best friends since they were kids and a tragic accident they both have a very special bond that allows Rose to go into Lissa mind. They are complete opposites of each other and yet they couldnt be more suited as friends.

A lot happens in the Vampire Academy book and I was worried that with only 144 pages the full story wouldn't be in the graphic novel. However, all the major scenes are developed wonderfully and honestly are so much better on paper than they were in my head. The illustrator Emma has managed to create the artwork in the book so perfectly that if you have read the book before you wouldn't even need the text in the book to follow the story. Im pretty sure its manga style (not 100% as I don't really know anything about Graphic novels) and I have read good and bad things about this style but I have to say that i thought this style was perfect for this story and I am now looking into more graphics novels.

The Graphic novel is adapted by Leigh Dragoon, I love that with only a handful of text on each page that full story is there. I have only read a couple of graphic novels but I noticed that there can sometimes be way too much text in it that takes you away from following the artwork for the story. This graphic novel as the perfect balance, there is just enough text that you know exactly what is happening and flows wonderfully with the art work.

My only negative about this is were the book series can be read by maybe teens ages 13+ I feel that due to some of the image contain in the adapted that it should be read by teens ages 15/16+ as some of the scenes are quite graphic but apart from that the best graphic novel I have read!!

If you have read Vampire Academy series this is a must have. It brings the enchanting and dark story to live on paper in full coloured  and I can't wait to see if the rest of the series is going to be adapted into Graphic novels because I will be buying them. Even if you haven't read the series this will still be enjoyed by graphic novel fans.

A massive thank you to the publisher for giving me a copy in exchange for a honest review.

Rate: 4/5

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The Amulet of Samarkand Graphic Novel (Bartimaeus Trilogy) by Jonathan Stroud

Pages:144
Published: February 3rd 2011
Publisher: Corgi Childrens
Genre: Younger Reader Fantasy

Description:

Nathaniel, an eleven-year-old magician-in-training, thinks he's ready to take on more challenging spells. With revenge against the proud and ambitious Simon Lovelace on his mind, he masters one of the toughest spells of all and summons Bartimaeus, a 5000-year-old djinni, to assist him. But summoning Bartimaeus and controlling him are two different things entirely, and when Nathaniel sends the djinni to steal Lovelace's greatest treasure, the Amulet of Samarkand, he finds himself caught in a whirlwind of magical espionage, murder, and rebellion.Jonathan Stroud, along with acclaimed comic books-writer Andrew Donkin and artists Lee Sullivan and Nicolas Chapuis, turns the beloved and internationally best-selling first book in the Bartimaeus trilogy into a spellbinding graphic novel sure to excite and delight fans across all magical planes.

Review:

I just want to thank Random House/Corgi Books for giving me this to review.

I have really never had an interest in graphic novels. I have only ever bought one and that was the Twilight graphic novel just because it was Twilight. So when the publishers contacted me about reviewing this I was unsure at first but thought I would give it try and I am really glad I did. When it came in the post my four year son clocked it and wanted it. So first I read it myself them we sat up last night and read together. We both enjoy it.

The Amulet of Samarkand Graphic Novel is an adaptions of the orginal novel (which I have yet to read) its follows the story of a young magican Nathaniel after he summons a Djinni called Bartimaeus and takes them both on a action packed adventure. That will surely be enjoyed by the young and old.






The art work that is done by Lee Sullivan and Colour by Nicholas Chapuis is just wonderful. Its bright and colourful and really is easy on the eyes. Usually I have seen graphic novels that only use black and white and maybe that is the reason why I have never really took an interest in them. However, this really captures you and it is very easy to follow. However, my only negative would be the size of the writing. It is rather small and even though I wear glasses to read and I could read it ok. I think if some people would struggle with the text size.

Overall, a great fun read that will make you want to go out and buy the orginal books. And a huge thumbs up for a very happy four year boy who is totally in love with this graphic novel.

Rate: 4/5

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