Category: Comic Books and Graphic Novels Comic books and graphic novels have been a popular form of entertainment for decades. They offer readers an immersive experience that combines visual art with storytelling to create engaging narratives. In this review, we will take a closer look at six different comic book series and graphic novels from various genres and publishers. Astro City Vol. 15: Ordinary Heroes (Dark Horse Comics) The Astro City universe is one of the most beloved and enduring in comics, with its unique blend of science fiction, superhero action, and noir-inspired storytelling. In this volume, writer Kurt Busiek takes a break from his usual focus on the city's elite heroes to explore the lives of some of its more ordinary citizens. The stories in Ordinary Heroes are varied and engaging, with each one offering a unique perspective on life in Astro City. From a struggling artist trying to make ends meet to a detective investigating a mysterious crime, these characters are relatable and compelling. The art by Carlos Magno is top-notch, with dynamic panel layouts and detailed backgrounds that bring the city to life. Overall, Ordinary Heroes is an excellent addition to any Astro City fan's collection. It offers a fresh take on the universe while still staying true to its roots, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. The Hero of Color City (Image Comics) The Hero of Color City is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that tells the story of a young girl named Maya who discovers she has superpowers. With vibrant colors and expressive characters, this book is perfect for readers of all ages. Maya's journey to discovering her powers is filled with action, adventure, and self-discovery. The art by Peter Bagge is stunning, with each page bursting with energy and detail. The story is well-written and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the world of Color City. Overall, The Hero of Color City is a must-read for anyone looking for a fun and exciting graphic novel that will transport them to a magical world filled with adventure and wonder. Now Hiring (2014) (Dark Horse Comics) Now Hiring is a collection of short stories set in the Astro City universe, featuring characters both familiar and new. The stories are varied in tone and subject matter, ranging from action-packed superhero tales to more introspective character studies. The art in Now Hiring is top-notch, with each story featuring its own unique style and aesthetic. The writing is sharp and engaging, making it easy to get invested in the characters and their stories. Overall, Now Hiring is a great way for fans of Astro City to explore new corners of the universe while still enjoying the familiar elements that make the series so beloved. Astro City Vol. 13: Honor Guard (Dark Horse Comics) Honor Guard is a thrilling superhero adventure set in the world of Astro City. The story follows a group of elite heroes who are tasked with protecting the city from an alien threat. With action-packed panels and dynamic layouts, this book is perfect for fans of the genre. The writing by Kurt Busiek is sharp and engaging, with each page filled with tension and excitement. The art by Carlos Magno is stunning, with detailed backgrounds and expressive characters that bring the story to life. Overall, Honor Guard is a must-read for anyone looking for an action-packed superhero adventure in the world of Astro City. Siberia (2018) (Image Comics) Siberia is a haunting and thought-provoking graphic novel that tells the story of a group of scientists who are sent to a remote research station in Russia to study a mysterious phenomenon. As they delve deeper into their research, they begin to uncover dark secrets about themselves and the world around them. The art by Wojciech Has is hauntingly beautiful, with muted colors and expressive characters that capture the emotional turmoil of the story. The writing is sharp and engaging, making it easy to get invested in the characters and their journey. Overall, Siberia is a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking graphic novel that will challenge their assumptions about science and humanity. Big Hero 6 (Plus Bonus Features) (Marvel Comics) Based on the hit Disney movie Big Hero 6, this graphic novel adaptation follows the adventures of a group of high school students who become superheroes after discovering they have special powers. With action-packed panels and dynamic layouts, this book is perfect for fans of both comics and animation. The writing by Marvel Comics veteran Scott Lippman is sharp and engaging, with each page filled with humor and excitement. The art by Katsuya Terada is stunning, with detailed backgrounds and expressive characters that bring the story to life. Overall, Big Hero 6 is a must-read for anyone looking for an action-packed superhero adventure in the world of Marvel Comics. Sea of Noise (2018) (Image Comics) Sea of Noise is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that tells the story of a group of sailors who are lost at sea and begin to hear strange noises coming from beneath the waves. As they investigate, they discover a dark secret about their own pasts and the world around them. The art by Jeff Smith is stunning, with vibrant colors and expressive characters that capture the emotional turmoil of the story. The writing is sharp and engaging, making it easy to get invested in the characters and their journey. Overall, Sea of Noise is a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking graphic novel that will challenge their assumptions about reality and the world around them. Ms. Marvel Volume 1: No Normal (Marvel Comics) Ms. Marvel Volume 1: No Normal follows the adventures of Kamala Khan, a Pakistani American teenager who becomes Ms. Marvel after discovering she has superpowers. With action-packed panels and dynamic layouts, this book is perfect for fans of both comics and Marvel Cinematic Universe. The writing by G. Willow Wilson is sharp and engaging, with each page filled with humor and excitement. The art by Adrian Alphona is stunning, with detailed backgrounds and expressive characters that bring the story to life. Overall, Ms. Marvel Volume 1: No Normal is a must-read for anyone looking for an action-packed superhero adventure in the world of Marvel Comics. The LEGO Movie (2014) (Dark Horse Comics) Based on the hit movie The LEGO Movie, this graphic novel adaptation follows the adventures of Emmet Brickowski, a construction worker who is mistaken for a hero and embarks on a quest to save the world from an evil sorcerer. With action-packed panels and dynamic layouts, this book is perfect for fans of both comics and animation. The writing by Jillian Tamaki is sharp and engaging, with each page filled with humor and excitement. The art by Mike Holmes is stunning, with detailed backgrounds and expressive characters that bring the story to life. Overall, The LEGO Movie is a must-read for anyone looking for an action-packed superhero adventure in the world of comics and animation. In conclusion, these six comic book series and graphic novels offer readers a diverse range of stories and art styles. From action-packed superhero adventures to thought-provoking science fiction tales, there is something for everyone in this collection.