Graphic Novels

 I'm still here, reading omics. Reviewing single issues is a bit boring for me. So, since I've been reading through my stacks of unread collected  comics and graphic novels, that's what I'll be reviewing here in case anyone is interested. 

Cosmic Detective by Jeff Lemire

I read this because it was on a recommended reading list and I usually enjoy Lemire's writing, which adds to my disappointment after reading it. The 3 stars are mostly for the art, which is stunning. There are lovely pages and 2-page spreads with barely any words, or none at all. And by midpoint, the sparse script had me wondering if there was any more to the plot other than a detective working for a mysterious agency investigating the murder of a god-like being that can't be named. By the end, I couldn't help thinking this was an elaborate shaggy dog story, in the sense that it's a story with promise that ends up going nowhere.

Sentient by Jeff Lemire

Decent story about a starship from Earth bringing families to a colony world. When a terrorist attack leaves all the adults dead, Val -- the ship's AI -- must teach and protect the children. Things go wrong, as they usually do, leaving the older kids needing to save Val from a cyber attack. The art is nice, and the story moves along at a nice pace, but the end seems to come fairly abruptly. I'm realizing I prefer Lemire's longer work, such as the brilliant Descender and its sequel, Ascender, than something that fits in a single volume.

Bad Dream by Nicole Maines

This was fun. Part of DC's Graphic Novels for Young Adults, this is an origin story for Dreamer, the trans superhero played by trans actress Maines in the wonderful Supergirl TV show that was part of the Arrowverse. The art is nice, if not my preferred style, and suits the story. The basics come from the TV show, that Nia Nals' sister Maeve expected their mother's dream powers to manifest in her, only to learn that Nia is the one who inherited them. Maines takes that and weaves it into an engrossing tale about identity and acceptance., while filling in Dreamer's backstory.

Running away to Metropolis, Nia finds a group of queer girls, featuring characters from "Galaxy: The Prettiest Star," also part of DC's YA line. Hanging out with them helps Nia learn to accept herself. It's been a long time since I've read YA books -- I spent 7 of my 30 years as a public librarian specializing in YA service -- and this reminds me how enjoyable YA books can be.

I also read and loved Mike Carey's The Unwritten, about the power of stories. Highly recommended if you can find the many volumes.