Preludes and Nocturnes (Sandman Vol. 1) by By Neil Gaiman

Preludes and Nocturnes is the first in a series of graphic novels by Neil Gaiman. This volume contains the first eight issues of the series. In the first issue there is an occult group who seeks to summon death, and gain control over life and death. Instead they accidentally summon Morpheus, the ruler of the dream world. Morpheus ends up in their imprisonment for about 70 years, and in the meantime loses control over the dream world. In the subsequent issues he traverses both the land of the living and of demons to reclaim his three possessions which give him power over dreams.

This series originally started in the 80’s and the art style is reflective of it. It is also intended for older readers, filled with many dark violent moments, especially the issue taking place in the diner. I would highly recommend this to anyone familiar with Neil Gaiman’s work. I would also recommend this to anyone who wants to read comics without superhero's.

Goodreads 4.23 out of 5, Amazon 4.8 out of 5

This series is not available at EPL. Ask any of the reference librarians to get it for you from an area library.

The Promised Neverland Vol. 1, by Kaiu Shirai

 

The Promised Neverland appears to be a story about a group of happy orphans and their day to day life’s at Grace Field Orphanage. Where the only concern they have is rigorous testing. However, readers quickly learn this is not the case. Instead the book turns into a story of survival for Emma and the other children. As the story unfolds the reader learns more about Emma’s world, and what it’s going to take make it at Grace Field.

I’m currently in the middle of reading this series, and found it quite enjoyable from the first chapter. The series doesn’t take its time showing its true nature.  As mentioned above right in the first chapter the reader learns that this is a suspenseful series, and can be considered a horror manga. While I don’t want to go into details on what happens in that first chapter I would recommend this manga if you enjoy the horror genre.

This is an ongoing series, needed to be read in order, and not available at Eastpointe Memorial. However, a librarian can place a copy on hold from another library in the cooperative. This review only pertains to Vol. 1.

4.48 on Goodreads, 4.9 on Amazon

Wonder Woman: Dead Earth by Daniel Warren Johnson (2019)

 

Throughout the years, Wonder Woman has had many dramatic storylines, but maybe none as dire as this. After hundreds of years in a deep sleep, Diana   awakens to find herself in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Her friends, the Justice League, gone…or dead. The reason why, wiped from her memory.

Wonder Woman must find others in the wasteland; she needs to know what catastrophe took place, and why. Most importantly, she needs to find her way home to Themyscira, to her mother. The mythical island must have survived this desolation, right?

Daniel Johnson, writer and illustrator, creates a strikingly visual tale of fallen gods and monsters. His tale of destruction and death still holds tight to forgiveness and hope, making for one of the more captivating short runs in DC comics.

While, we know that this is just one version of Wonder Woman, one of the many in an infinite pool of dimensions, it is still a heartbreaking ode to one of DC’s most powerful heroes.

4.04 stars on Goodreads, 4.8 on Amazon