Review: Hex Vet: Witches in Training by Sam Davies

Sam Davies

December 18, 2018

KaBOOM!

80 Pages

My Rating: (4 Stars)

Plot

In a world where magic is an ordinary part of daily life, two young apprentice veterinarians pursue their dreams of caring for supernatural creatures. 

Have you ever wondered where witches' cats go when they pull a claw? Or what you do with a pygmy phoenix with a case of bird flu? Nan and Clarion have you covered. They're the best veterinarian witches of all time—at least they're trying to be. But when an injured rabbit with strange eyes stumbles into their lives, Nan and Clarion have to put down their enchanted potions and face the biggest test of their magical, medical careers...and possibly lose some dignity in the process.  
 
Hex Vet: Witches in Training is the debut original graphic novel from acclaimed cartoonist Sam Davies (Stutterhug) and explores a truly spellbinding story about sticking together and helping animals at all costs.   

How I Got This Book

I received this book as a free ARC through BOOM! Studios in exchange for an honest review.

My Review

Adorable. Intriguing. I am not going to lie, I probably wouldn’t have picked this graphic novel up to buy if I hadn’t received this as an ARC. I would have been missing out if I hadn’t. This is an amazing story, with cute art that keeps you turning pages. Who would have thought that a story about a magical vet’s office would have been, not only entertaining, but a story about friendship and helping each other and animals. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has children as an introduction to graphic novels. I would also recommend this to anyone who wants a quick read. This graphic novel explores how helping each other and sticking together even when things seem like they are too hard is the best choice. It also introduces some cute animals (Hello bugbear, I am talking to you!) and a dash of comedy to keep you smiling.

Final Thoughts

I truly think that this was an unexpected gem in my inbox. I am looking forward to seeing what author Sam Davies does next, either with this story or with a new one. I would recommend picking this graphic novel up on Amazon especially since it is less than $10. 

Guest Review: Batman: The Red Death #1

Joshua Williamson (Author) Jason Fabok (Illustrator)
Published September 20, 2017 by DC Comics
22 Pages
Part of Dark Nights: Metal
Amazon Kindle $3.99

My Rating: 

Plot

As the events of DARK NIGHTS: METAL rock the DC Universe, the creatures of the Dark Multiverse stand ready to invade our world! How can even the World’s Greatest Heroes stop a horde of deadly beings that appear to be powerful, nightmare versions of familiar figures?

How I Got This Book

I bought this comic for personal reading

My Review

This was phenomenal. Along with deepening the story, it answered one of the long-standing questions that many DC fans have always had: what if Batman gained access to the Speed Force? In a beautifully drawn and narrated world, it shows how far Batman would be willing to go under the right circumstances, even if it means sacrificing friends and allies. Darker than the typical Batman comic, The Red Death showed fans what it would be like if Batman did what he had to do without restraint. By far one of the best comics I have ever read from the DC comics line. I would have to say that this is definitely one of the best in this series.

So now that I am done fanboy-ing over this comic here is what it is about (more or less). Evil ancient dragon god is trying to destroy/takeover the entire multiverse using Batman as a conduit. Evil ancient dragon god employs multiple “evil” versions of Batman from the “Dark” multiverse to basically beat all the good guys, from the “Light” multiverse, asses. That’s where these comics come into play. The Red Death is a combination of Batman and The Flash, a terrifying amalgamation (although not the most terrifying that they covered in this series). The ending of this comic is terrifying and keeps you on the edge of your seat as you struggle to continue to root for the good guys even in the face of defeat.

Final Thoughts

After reading the entire series, this is easily one of my favorite entries. It had amazing art, amazing narration, and in my opinion, one of the best Batman panels I have ever seen. I would highly recommend the series, even if just these tie ins.

-Malcolm

Review: Harley and Ivy Meet Betty and Veronica by Paul Dini; Marc Andreyko

ARC Copy/Kindle (160 Pages)

Published September 4, 2018

Buy from Kindle for $15.68 or Hardcover for $24.99 ($16.50 with Prime)

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Plot

The bad girls of Gotham meet the good girls of Riverdale!

Hiram Lodge (Veronica’s father) wants to invest in the future by building a university with free tuition for Riverdale’s residents. His site is a protected swamp on the outskirts of town, and once news of the plan reaches Gotham City, a certain eco-warrior (a.k.a. Poison Ivy) is determined to prevent the dream from becoming reality.

However, once Poison Ivy and her bestie Harley Quinn arrive, they get mixed up in the sort of hijinks that can only happen in Riverdale. At a superhero-themed costume party, the night’s entertainment–Zatanna– manages to place the personas of the Gotham City Sirens into the bodies of the town’s notorious frenemies: Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge. While Ivy (in Ronnie’s body) seeks to derail Lodge’s agenda from within, more than a few nefarious forces–from Jason and Cheryl Blossom to the Clown Prince of Crime himself–have their own foul plans.

This groundbreaking miniseries teams up two of fandom’s best-known duos, bringing the ladies of Gotham and Riverdale together for the first time! This madcap mayhem comes courtesy of Paul Dini (Harley Quinn) and Marc Andreyko (Wonder Woman ‘77), with art by Laura Braga (DC Comics: Bombshells)! Collects Harley & Ivy Meet Betty & Veronica #1-6. 

How I Got This

I received this as an ARC from the publisher using NetGalley

The Good 

Literally everything. I am not even joking right now. I am a huge fan of my Gotham City Sirens, and this one has two of them as the main characters. The artwork was beautiful with rich colors, amazingly drawn outfits, and fantastic panels. The story was fluid and never got boring. You get to meet many of the Riverdale characters, many of whom I was not familiar with as I have never really read the Archie comics, and many of the Gotham City characters as well. There were so many surprise characters in this comic and I wish I could tell you about all of them. I don’t want to ruin anything for you though. Just know that you get to see some of your favorite Gotham villains, meet some new ones, and see some of your favorite heroes as well.

The plot of this comic was straightforward for the most part. What you thought was going to be the plot ends up changing and the new one keeps you on the edge of your seat. (It is so hard to do reviews for something as amazing as this without giving it all away!)

I have to stop myself from gushing about this comic here, but if anyone is interested and doesn’t mind SPOILERS feel free to message me. I will tell you everything you want to know!

The Bad

Nothing. There was nothing bad about this comic. Parts that seemed dull quickly became action filled. I guess the only bad thing I can say is that if you aren’t familiar with Riverdale characters, or for some reason Gotham City characters, then sometimes you may get confused on who everyone is. By the end of the comic though you have everyone figured out and you are ready for more.

Final Thoughts

When I first requested this comic off of Netgalley I really didn’t think that I was going to be lucky enough to be chosen as one of the ARC readers. I am so thankful that I was. I want to tell everyone who reads this to go and order yourself a copy as you won’t be disappointed. You can order it on Kindle, or do what I am planning on doing and have a Kindle version and a hardback version!

Review: Lady Mechanika Vol. 4 The Clockwork Assassin

88 Pages
ISBN13: 9780996603096
Publication Date: June 26, 2018
Available on Amazon for $9.99 ($7.99 with Prime)

My Rating: 5/5

Plot

When a series of brutal murders linked to Mr. Lewis’ past leads Detective Inspector Singh to Lady Mechanika’s doorstep, the Inspector is finally forced to consider: is Lady Mechanika a crime-fighting hero or a cold blooded killer? 

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This review is going to be organized a little bit different than any of my other ones so far. The reason, there are not any true negatives about this comic. Therefore I see no reason to add a negatives section.

I have been a fan of Lady Mechanika since the first day I went to Free Comic Book day in my area and picked up her comic. Ever since I have done my best to stay up to date with all of her exploits. When I saw this ARC on Netgalley, well I jumped at my chance to continue reading her story. 

I was not disappointed.

The story was thrilling from beginning to end. I ended up falling into the trap of believing the most obvious to be the villain, before the big reveal at the end blew my mind completely. Lady Mechanika, falsely accused of being a murderer, helps Inspector Signh to solve the case of the Clockwork Assassin, both to clear her name and to protect her friend from being the next victim. 

Aside from the storyline, the artwork was once again phenomenal. Each small detail that was painstakingly drawn works with the others to give new life to this comic, and makes it feel as though it was a little more real. The outfits are true to the time period and drawn in a way that makes you wish that you were wearing them yourself.

I have to say, even though I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, I am most likely going to be purchasing a physical copy of this comic when it is released so that I can add it to my ever growing collection of Lady Mechanika comics.

I am curious, how many of you read the Lady Mechanika comics? Which is your favorite? Let me know.