jackphoenix's reviews
508 reviews

Lisa Cheese and Ghost Guitar - Attack of the Snack by Kevin Alvir

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

1.0

With nary a shred of plot to be found, hopefully this book’s absurdity and bizarre fantasy will be enough to keep teens entertained.
Malcolm Kid and the Perfect Song by Austin Paramore

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The supernatural elements seem out of place at times, but the warmth of this story and art more than compensate.
Wynd: The Throne In the Sky book 3 by

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

A third volume of epic fantasy this engaging implies just as creative works prior…and even better things to come.
Terminal 3 by Debasmita Dasgupta

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emotional reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.0

The art is unlike anything else on the shelves, but that cannot compensate for the detachment and a story with no engagement.
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass: The Graphic Novel by Meg Medina

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challenging emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Sensible and relatable with pleasing stylized art, this coming-of-age graphic novel is an emotional journey anyone can get lost in.
Unfamiliar, Vol. 2 by Haley Newsome

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

It’s sweet, whimsical, and so, so cute, which more than enough to satisfy many middle-grade readers.
Until I Love Myself, Vol. 1: The Journey of a Nonbinary Manga Artist by Poppy Pesuyama

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emotional reflective fast-paced

5.0

Beautifully drawn and stuffed with vulnerability, this incredible work of manga memoir is a must-read.
As I Enfold You in Petals by Scott B. Henderson, Donovan Yaciuk, Nickolej Villiger, Richard Van Camp

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emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

It’s hard to determine from a second volume, but this visually pleasant book suggests the possibility of a strong story.
Visions of the Crow by Wanda John-Kehewin

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emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.0

There appear to be interesting ideas adrift here, but their seemingly amateur execution means they never quite land.
Turtle Bread: A Graphic Novel About Baking, Fitting In, and the Power of Friendship by Kim-Joy

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A quick and stirring read, TURTLE BREAD shows that amazing things can come in small packages, including works of graphic medicine.