Lithári Nyx
I don't know if this story just wasn't for me and if maybe I'm the problem here, but this felt like every negative stereotype and toxic trope about lesbians wrapped up into one succinct novel. Lesbian MC falls for straight girl and is type-cast as a 'predatory lesbian' by basically everyone around her. The straight-girl-maybe-closeted-lesbian MC is... a lot. These characters are fundamentally unlikeable and the 'romance' makes me cringe.
BUT if you enjoy high-tension, full of drama, absolutely dripping with angst queer stories, especially with characters who are real and raw and absolutely unredeemable (maybe in a sequel?), this might be the book for you. The hook was strong, the plot definitely drew me in, but the entire time I was going, "What am I reading right now?" I love a story with characters that have experienced and caused trauma as much as the next person, but at least one of those characters has to grow and develop and change to make the story feel worth it. I didn't feel like anyone made any positive change throughout this read.
Basically, for me, this book just lacked the deeper development I expect from a tale with fallible, real, raw characters. I was never immersed in it, but I felt I had to keep reading because inevitably there'll be growth, right? Wrong.
Fundamentally, this is a reference or guide book for those who are interested in herbalism, as the primary function of the book is to teach the medicinal and magickal properties of a vast selection of herbs and flowers. In addition, the author gives snippets of history and folklore about each plant, which I absolutely adored!
For the avid folklore lover, this isn't the selection for you. For the beginner witch, this might be a good addition to your shelf if you're looking for an excellent resource on herbs and flowers.
Beyond the contents of the writing, I adored the included art, though I worry how it'll turn out in print as the quality seemed lackluster and as if the images were blown up and lack clarity.
As for the description of this book, I feel it lacks depth when explaining "what folklore is, and how it connects to the practice of witchcraft." I felt it was missing something deeper. A longer foreword about this would have been beneficial to the overall tone and depth of the book.
Loveable characters, beautiful art, and a touching story that cycles through all the emotions. I cried, I smiled, I laughed. This was a wonderful experience from start to finish and though it's a faster pace read (as most independent graphic novels are), I could come back to this story time and time again for a piece of the cozy, comfortable warmth it gives through the story of the lives of young adults finding their places in the big, wide world.
Every illustration captures the magic of the story in an eye-catching and endearing way. Definitely a nostalgic read for any Disney college program alum or an inspiration for DCP hopefuls.
I love this read. It was easy, not complicated, while still having big feelings and big plot points. It felt good to watch the main character grow up and realize that passion alone will not help us achieve our dreams, we have to put in the time, effort, and determination to make your dreams happen. And sometimes even when we work hard and make things happen, our dream still isn't right for us. So we have to change our dream and refocus, make things happen.
What a story. Absoltely enamored with the whole book.
The most poignant and memorable part of this memoir is: "As people become more disillusioned with the world, they're going to turn to people with a vision for a better future who are able to find joy despite seeing the world for what it is. This is where what comes next will be grown." With the way things are right now, this quote is more important for folks to remember than anything else.
Though it's quick, this is an inspiring read. I recommend it for youngin's (probably late elementary and middle school-aged, perhaps even high schoolers) to help them understand climate activism and how even the little man can do things to help inspire change. Even if you aren't a kiddo, read this yourself as a reminder that no matter what happens, resistance matters.
The art style is comfortable and the use of colors to distinguish between the different vignettes was a wonderful choice. Transcribing oral histories into a graphic memoir is such a unique take and honestly, fulfills the author's goal of making information and knowledge more accessible and digestible to the masses.
Though the fight wasn't won against the MV pipeline, this memoir is a reminder of the most important aspect of resistance: connect with others, tell your story, and keep fighting.
An easygoing, low-angst, sweet romantic read.
Watching the main character go from feelings of resentment for events she didn't even remember and being too much in her own head to finally having the tough conversations is one of the most realistic and healthy representations of growth that I've seen in a graphic novel.
The characters were diverse and interesting, the plot was intriguing and kept me interested even when it was sort of obvious what was going to unfold, the art style is unique and satisfying to see, and the overall story gave me the warm fuzzies. I love a good WLW story and this checked all the boxes for me.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the read, it felt very surface level and lacked the depth I expected. The romance felt rushed and there could have been some more hard-hitting and interesting plot points to draw everything together with a bow. Like I said, it's a simple and quick, low-angst sapphic romance read.
This is a quick and heartwarming read with some heavier moments that might make you tear up a bit here and there. There is definitely a more mature, nuanced take on the shōjo genre.
The characters are unique, have their individual quirks, and come together in interesting mixtures of personalities. Although this is a standalone serial, the characters are fleshed-out and complete, and I really felt like they all grow, change, and find redemption as the story progresses. I felt very comfortable with this non-toxic, beautiful love story (that may have had me alternating from giggling and kicking my feet to tearing up and back again).
To an extent, this was as much a roller coaster ride of emotions for me as it was for the characters. But it definitely comes together to be a rather fulfilling and interesting slice-of-life manga for a mature, thoughtful reader.
Beautiful art, interesting and amusing characters, and a unique but decidedly shōjo concept. It's a light romance between two "perfect" high school students whose personalities in private differ greatly from the way they present themselves day-to-day, what more can a girl wish for?
The way the writing juxtaposes the main characters' public façade against their private personalities is amazing. The dialogue perfectly shifts between these two realities, really illustrating how these two characters are constantly switching between these personas themselves.
This was a quick, easy read and I'd recommend it for anyone who enjoys a simple, no mess romance (especially for newbies to the manga/shōjo world!). Definitely looking forward to the next (and future) volumes. Fingers crossed for a bit more interpersonal drama, conflict, and angst.
I thought that I was having a difficult time getting through this book because I was having focus issues, but it turns out that this is meant to be a slow read, the type of book you'll want to savor and process as you take it in. It's meant to be a healing experience, something that makes you take stock of your own life and experiences as you read, taking in the characters' own experiences. This title is thought-provoking and insightful, but a lot of the depth of the interpersonal issues and themes of severing familial ties and immense individual guilt over not fitting into the intense work culture can be lost on readers who aren't familiar with Korean culture's tough stances on these things.
Overall, the book is a commentary on work culture and societal expectations with an overarching theme of rediscovering your passions and following through on fulfilling your life for yourself, not other peoples' expectations. If you're in a time of your life where you need to take a retrospective look at what you're doing and the path you're on, this is a book you need to read.
Sweet, simple, no-drama domestic bliss? Yes, please. A manga with an absolutely charming art style? Yes, more! A one-shot that will leave you feeling whole? Yes, of course!
If you're looking for a simple, one-shot manga to get you started in the big wide world of manga, manhwa, manhua, and graphic novels, Home Office Romance is the read for you. I didn't know I needed a sweet, nearly saccharine, tale of two neighbors finding each other during the pandemic, but now I also know you need it, too!
No hard feelings, no twisted tales of despair and miscommunications (like is typical in many manga and manhwa romances!). This is a story of two people who meet and develop a simply adorable and wholesome relationship from a chance meeting on their balconies. This is a refreshing, easy read and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a little pick-me-up or just wants to smile for an hour or two straight while they read.
I love a good subversive read. If you're looking for an easy read that subverts your expectations of the genre without being too much, this is the pick for you.
Nimona made me chuckle, made me furrow my brows, and made me teary-eyed. From start to finish, this felt like a delightful and energizing journey. The art fits the storyline so, so well -- every stroke feels rough, raw, and real, just like the characters and the plot.
I was sucked in from the very first page. Yeah, I was a bit confused at first; there's no long-winded exposition to get you accustomed to the lore and backstory, but you'll pick it up within the first 50 pages. The characters are interesting and there's an air of mystery regarding the backstory of a few of them. There's unknown connections and intrigue. Overall, I was absorbed into the setting and plot (the art is absolutely amazing!) and the characters are comfortable and likeable.
My favorite character is Riki; he's the typical loud-mouthed, boisterous, over-the-top anime guy constantly monologuing about how he's going to be rich, famous, and the best at whatever he's doing. Total dork, though. But all of the characters have their own unique backstories, mysteries, and draw-ins.
I'm definitely going to pick up the next volume in the series!
I never thought I'd get sucked into a wordless comic, but here I am, adding this collection of one-shot wordless comics to my favorites. It's funny, it's poignant, it's snappy, it's witty. Emi MG has outdone herself with this collection. Every page flip leads into another scene with her adorably-drawn, excellently crafted characters and incredibly timely and well-planned humor. This will, hands down, be something I return to time and time again to relive the escapades of the little monsters she has created.
This is a light, quaint jaunt into the queer boy-love graphic novel world. It's not quite as deep as Heartstopper thematically, but there's definitely a taste of something more. The art is exceptional, unique, and absolutely kept me interested even when the narrative felt a bit hasty and convoluted.