The Shadow: Leviathan by Simon Spurrier & Dan Watters

A doctor tending a burn victim relates her experience being saved by the enigmatic vigilante known as ‘The Shadow’. It is modern day, and the Shadow hasn’t been seen in some time. This story jumps time frames, from the Shadow’s original era to present day. Most of it focuses on the Shadow saving a mother and child, and how that child, Worthy Delaney, grows up, and goes wrong.

I love the Shadow. One of the oldest books in my personal collection is an original Shadow pulp novel, tattered and well-loved. Finding those books, and that character, helped me through some tough times. I seem to be partial to anti-hero characters. Sometimes viciousness needs to be combated with viciousness. Sometimes, just sometimes, ends do justify means.

I found this graphic novel so sad though. Bringing the Shadow present day just seems wrong to me for some reason. Despite that, I enjoyed this story thread, and the artwork. It was a great commentary on present day society. I loved that the hospital is the ‘Walter B Gibson Hospital’. Nice homage to the creator.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Diamond Book Distributors for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

The Lion and the Bride by Mika Sakurano

Okay, it’s been awhile since I read manga or watched anime. I recall plenty of bizarre and weird things, yet I wasn’t quite prepared for this…  Oh, Sakurano’s The Lion and the Bride is pretty mundane compared to past experiences. This is the story of Yua, a high school student who crushes on her science teacher. That affection is returned, and when Yua’s last remaining relative-her grandmother- passes unexpectedly, Sensei Takahashi makes a surprising proposal. Namely a marriage proposal. He just forgets to mention one small detail. Aloof Subaru, one of Yua’s classmates, is his son!

Takahashi was sweet. He’s a real white knight, with a drive to protect. He also reminded me a lot of Cho Hakkai, from Gensomaden Saiyuki. They have a similar appearance, quiet demeanour, and caretaker personalities. Not surprisingly, Yua was somewhat immature. Granted, she’s still a teen, but dang. Subaru, closer to her own age, reminds me of Sanzo, from Gensomaden Saiyuki. He has a certain aloofness that hides a caring, white knight personality similar to his father’s, and a broken soul too it seems, but we don’t really learn why this volume. The barriers between Yua and Subaru begin to break down, and he begins to feel protective towards her.

Overall, I enjoyed Lion and look forward to the next volume. The title confused me. Where does Lion come from. I did find the age difference disturbing at first. I’m guessing it’s a 10 year difference, give it air, and really it only disturbed me because she was in high school. The older people get, the less a gap that big matters. Indeed, both my sister and I have partners considerably older than we.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Akita Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

Casa Nostra by Chris Sarracini & Nick Kilislian

Casa Nostra by Chris Sarracini & Nick Kilislian is a gritty tale set during the early ’30s. Claire runs Casa Nostra, a mafia safehouse. At the request of Frank Nitti, they take in one of Capone’s hitmen, a Carmine Rizzo, better known as ‘The Butcher’. Rizzo has a penchant for torturing and killing women. Claire takes him in, but she has her own plans for Rizzo.

This was an interesting read. Definitely, if you have a love for the time era, be sure to check it out. The artwork was lovely, done in a style reminiscent of the times. This does mean that the women tend to be curvy and well endowed, the epitome of femininity at the time. The colour palette was perfect for the story, matching tone and time. Some of the art reminded me of Dick Tracy. I have collections of those old comics, and love them.  Things did feel a little abrupt, like the story could have fit comfortably in two or three books instead.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Diamond Book Distributors for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

The Creature Garden by Zanna and Harry Goldhawk

The Creature Garden by Zanna and Harry Goldhawk is a nifty drawing guide to help budding artists get the hand of drawing various sorts of animals. At the beginning, there are sections for tools, and basic tutorials such as working patterns. Here you will also find a friendly reminder that everyone starts somewhere, and you should refrain from comparing yourself to other artists who may have been at it decades longer than you. This only serves as discouragement that you can avoid.

The next several sections focus on classes of critters, from mammals, to ocean life, birds, insects, and even mythic creatures. These large sections are further broken down, with specific guidelines to help with that particular type of animals. For instance, the Mammals section kicks off with big cats. There are interesting facts accompanying each animal, most of which are assets to drawing them. Well worth it for any interested in drawing beasties!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.