I adore small comic strips. One of my most profound memories from my childhood was stealing my dad’s comic section from the Star Tribune and reading each strip daily. Most comic strips are found in the local paper, and that’s about it. Comic strips aren’t as popular as they used to be. Comic books and graphic novels aren’t something I would consider a strip because it’s full stories on multiple pages. I am promoting a GoFundMe project about a lovable comic strip with plenty of general geekiness in each panel. Best in Show is the strip and the launch can be found here: Best in Show Campaign

I met the author, Phil Juliano at May Comic Con this year in St. Paul. He approached me and was gracious as he learned about Twin Cities Geek, another site I write for. He gave me a free sampling of Best and Show and I wrote a spotlight interview about him.*link will be posted at the end*. Through all of our encounters, I kept a watchful eye on his work. So when I spotted his campaign, I wanted to promote and support his new book.

Best in Show is a strip about a geeky guy named Peej who figures out how to time travel. So where does he go? Back to his childhood because who else misses being a kid? Peej in actuality wants his old Star Wars toys which is why he picked his childhood to revisit. This comic strip frequently exhibits nostalgia about childhood while also examining how entertaining children can be. It’s hilarious, heartwarming, and nostalgic as I think back to my favorite toys as a child.

Spending money on multiple GoFundMe projects can be expensive. Phil’s GoFundMe though is rather cheap. $12 dollars for the book, $15 if you want it signed, and $25 for a print with the book. As a Minnesota native, I like bringing awareness to the talent that started here.

Being a consumer is necessary for backing a project that you want to see. I want to see this book launched so I will be promoting this campaign. Even if you don’t have the funds for this project, sharing my post is equally important. Kids will love this story and adults will fantasize about their most missed beloved childhood toys.

Spot Light Phil Juliano

Let me just say, I used to love Criminal Minds. Penelope and Reid were two of my favorite characters because Reid is adorable and Penelope is so quirky. I recently finished this amazing graphic novel titled Nailbiter that feels like a Criminal Minds graphic novel. It’s gritty, dark, and intriguing, and all about serial killers. The artwork is even better. 

Warning: This novel is graphic if you don’t like gore, don’t read this book. 

Nailbiter takes place in the small town of Buckaroo, Oregon. The first pages show the arrest of Edward Charles Warren a serial killer who would chew off the fingers of his victims before killing them. Buckaroo isn’t unique in hosting serial killers as 16 have had their start in this small town. Is this a coincidence or a family affair? That’s the mystery surrounding this graphic novel.

The back of this novel says that this story is a mix of Twin Peaks and Se7en. Se7en is an amazing movie starring Brad Pitt, so that’s a great reason to see this movie.  Anyway, I knew reading the back that I would love this novel, which I did. IGN even left a glowing review of this book so I’m not the only one who loves it.

After finishing this novel I’m halfway frustrated/angsty/excited because there are so many unanswered questions. I like having the cliffhanger because it makes me excited about future novels yet I need to spend money like right now on the other volumes. The characters all seem like they have skeletons in their closet and I’m looking forward to delving into each character.

I’m already searching on Barnes & Noble’s website for the next volumes because I need to know what happens. Horror is such a cool genre and it’s great to find a novel that’s gothic, gritty, and suspenseful.

My reading corner has been established in my bedroom with the fan blowing cool air and my various lamps casting light on my pages. The summers are really good reading times for me because I don’t have college homework to do so I can focus on each book. I have been finishing so many books in such a short time that I decided to do a post that quickly discusses three books instead of three individual posts.

Poison Study

I bought this book in my book haul in April. This book was so great! I love anything themed around the Renaissance and this book made me look forward to the Renaissance Festival in August. I love Yelena! Her and Valek make a wonderful team in their crusade to protect the king and stop foreign invaders. Plus it’s hinted at that Yelena has magical abilities which I can’t wait to delve deeper into the series to learn more. If you love the Renaissance and are desperately searching for a female protagonist to root for, this book is for you.

Sailor Moon Volume #1

This was the first manga that I read this year I believe. I read Attack on Titan last year, but I never followed up with the series. I ended up becoming a part of a cosplay group to be a sailor scout and I’m cosplaying Sailor Saturn. I figured I should know a lot more about Sailor Moon. I really liked this book, but I found it hard to follow. I’m not used to reading manga all that much and I found it was very different for me to read. I had to re-read some of the chapters so I could fully understand what was going on. I think I identify with Sailor Jupiter because she’s so strong and I aspire to be strong and gain muscle. So I really liked her a lot. Anyway, I definitely hope to continue on in this series and watch the television show because I have never seen one episode.

Unlucky 13 #13 in Women’s Murder Club Series by James Patterson

I remember when I first started this series. I finished four books in a week? I eventually got caught up within two weeks and I loved every story and loved all the women. Basically this series is about four women: Lindsay Boxer a detective/cop, Claire Washburn a medical examiner, Cindy Thomas a reporter and Yuki Castellano a lawyer. They get together and help each other solve crimes in the San Francisco area. his book wasn’t really my personal favorite in the series, but I love this series overall.

I think I’m going to do more of these mini-reviews because it doesn’t seem as dense versus three separate posts. Let me know what you have been reading as I always love taking recommendations!

I have read two out of the three trade paperback books I picked up. Sex Criminals is a paperback that I have been wanting to read for a while. Matt Fraction also wrote this Hawkeye series that I really love so it’s a good sign that he’s a part of this too. This paperback is such a weird concept for a story, but I really liked it at the same time. I do have one slight problem with it as I will discuss later.

The story picks up with the two protagonists getting it on in a bathroom. Immediately we are introduced to Suzie and Jonathan. Every time they orgasm during sex, they are brought to a world where time is stopped. Suzie calls this world “The Quiet” They end up attempting to commit a robbery and each issue shows how Suzie and Jonathan came to rob a bank.

This paperback was not what I expected. Then again, I don’t really know what I expected but the concept sounded weird and I wanted to read it. I love the artwork of “The Quiet” It’s all eerie and bright looking with pastel colors and ribbons of light shining on the panel.

I also liked how Suzie talks about her sexuality and her journey to acceptance. Especially with the conversation, she has with her gyno about what happens after having an orgasm and her doctor responds “usually you fall asleep with your husband.” This book addresses what women actually get shamed with when they decide to have sex before marriage.

The one problem with this novel is some slut shaming going on. Maybe this is just my interpretation as I read this book, but I’m not a fan of slut shaming ever. Suzie makes a comment about her roommate and how there wasn’t anyone in town who hasn’t fingered her. It was the way that it was said that put me off. I just don’t really support slut shaming because I don’t want to tear another woman down and it’s her body so she can do what she wants. This book had a little bit of that going on which wasn’t okay with me.

Overall it was definitely interesting reading this paperback. I probably would continue on the series, but hopefully, the slut shaming ends. I think it’s definitely worth a read especially if you love sex as much as I do.

I love to read, but sometimes I need a break from books. I love books, but I also love manga and trade paperbacks. When I did my book haul, over half of what I bought were comic books because I just wanted to read and page through the artwork. Young Justice is a trade paperback I finished a couple days ago and I loved it. The TV show on Netflix is worth checking out before reading this series.

Young Justice 

Teen Titans was a cartoon network show that aired around 2003 ish? I remember me and my friend who would pretend to be members of the Titans and just run around her house and pretend to fight crime. Young Justice really reminds me of my love of Teen Titans. Young Justice appeared on my Netflix feed because it was recommended to me. I started watching multiple episodes at once and I really liked the action and all of the characters.

Christopher Jones is a local Minnesotan comic book artist which is pretty cool because I like supporting artists who love Minnesota as much as I do. It’s exciting because this summer I plan on attending CONvergence. CONvergence is a local con in my area right in the heart of the Twin Cities. Christopher Jones is going to appear as a guest of honor along with Greg Wiseman the creator of the Young Justice TV Show. I bought this trade paperback because I wanted to be caught up on the series and maybe I could get it signed by Christopher or Greg.

If you’re unfamiliar with Young Justice, the characters are the young apprentices of Batman, Aquaman, Green Arrow, The Flash, and Martian Manhunter. Superboy is an exception as he was a clone created by Cadmus which is seen in the first two episodes of Young Justice. He desperately wants to be known as Superman and it’s sad to see this struggle throughout the first season.

I really enjoyed this trade paperback in part because it discusses the origin stories of each of the characters. For some, this may seem really redundant, but for a newbie comic book reader like myself, it’s a nice brief history of each character. I was especially unfamiliar with Miss Martian/Megan’s back story so hearing that was fun. I felt that the writing in this trade paperback was great because it really showed off the personalities of each character. Megan is probably my favorite because she’s so spunky, upbeat, and energetic.

I plan on buying the next edition sometime soon and hopefully watch all of Young Justice by the time CONvergence comes around in July. In the meantime, I highly recommend checking this series out especially if you were also a fan of Teen Titans back in the day.

Sometimes you just need to purchase something for yourself. A little self-love never hurts anybody. Anyway, I have been feeling a bit of comic withdrawal as I haven’t bought a new graphic novel in at least…. a year. That’s what happens when you’re in college and can’t work all the time due to having so much stuff to do. Money goes to three places: Savings account, groceries, and gas. I was able to purchase comic books and I want to make a post of everything I purchased!

Young Justice Volume 1

Christopher Jones is a comic book artist from Minnesota and I love supporting local talent. I’m currently attempting to watch Young Justice on Netflix, but I’ll admit I’m watching at a very slow pace. I wanted to read the comic book because I really love the show plus it might get a third season so I’m helping to secure a new season by watching.

Grayson Volume 1 Agents of Spyral

Anything with Nightwing in it and I’ll be 100% interested. That’s why I need to finally beat Arkham Knight because I heard he makes an appearance. Anyway, I have been wanting to read this series for quite some time, but I never got around to it. So when I was shopping around for which comic book I wanted to purchase, I thought of this one immediately.

Sex Criminals Volume One

If you haven’t heard of this book, it’s quite interesting. Basically, this couple has sex and when they both have an orgasm, they stop time. This novel is so out there and I’m excited to read it.

Poison Study

My best friend raved about how much this was her favorite book. She has re-read it so many times and recommended I read it. Finally, two years later I have ordered it and have it waiting to be read. The main character got in trouble with royalty and was sentenced to death. Instead of being executed, she had a choice of becoming a poison taster. The premise seems really interesting.

Sailor Moon Volume 1

So a month ago, I agreed to be in a Sailor Moon cosplay group. It’s great because we are hand-making our cosplays, but I also know nothing about Sailor Moon. I thought I should change that so I bought the first manga volume and I’m going to watch the new series over the summer when I have more time.

Let me know what you’re reading and if you’re a Sailor Moon expert, let me know in the comments. Happy Friday!

Book reviews are probably one of my favorite posts to write. I love talking about what I just read and I feel accomplished whenever I complete a book. This is the first book in a trilogy that was given to me by my professor. My professor saw me reading in my building before class and we got to talking. Reading for me, helps to lower my anxiety that I get from life in general. So my professor let me borrow the series. I actually really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.

So for those of you familiar with the Steelheart saga, these books are pretty similar. In 1986, 1% of children were born brilliant. They can’t shoot laser beams, but they are incredibly smart when it comes to mathematics, music and science. The United States has reacted to brilliants by establishing the Department of Analysis and Response (DAR). This government body will stop any brilliant from breaking the law. The main difference between Steelheart and Brilliance is that in Steelheart, humans have more extravagant powers and it’s also less political. Brilliance feels like the adult series versus Steelheart.

Nick Cooper is an agent of the DAR, but he’s also brilliant. He is able to use commonplace objects to develop patterns and this can help catch criminals. He is usually able to prevent bad things from happening, but on March 12th the Wall Street building explodes. Thanks to a terrorist and brilliant John Smith, Cooper goes on this wild goose chase to find Smith and take him down.

This book feels a little like Jason Bourne in America + 24 the TV Show + Steelheart + politics = Brilliance. I really enjoyed this book on many levels. I really liked the action sequences they were well written and just easy to picture in my mind. I love that this book analyzes bigotry and uses this word quite frequently. People start to look at Brilliant people and stereotype them. I feel like it’s an adequate representation of our world. Also I really like Shannon’s character. Shannon and Cooper come to meet and she becomes a real asset in his journey to find Smith.

This book is divided into various parts that reveal more about what is actually going on. After each part ends you kind of have a reaction similar to “holy shit”. So when you finish this book, you will immediately delve into the sequel which I started yesterday. The only thing I noticed about this book is that it’s slow at certain parts. That’s not a bad thing, but I had times when I would read 100 pages, and then I wouldn’t read the book at all for a couple of days. This allows you time to really savor this book.

Brilliance is a very well-written, political thriller that I would highly recommend. Nick Cooper is an interesting character to follow and his adventure is really like watching an intense action movie. This is a book/series you have to read in your lifetime.