Fantastic Universes

Edited by The New York Times best-selling author Laurie Halse Anderson Featuring cover art By Nicola Scott Review by Ria Carrogan It isn’t going to be any surprise to find out that I love this book. A feminist comic book celebrating women that has a lot to say? Right up my street. In our home, we have many books and resources that highlight women who have changed or are still changing the world, but none of them are in graphic novel form. Of course, this means that it was a joy to pick this up and read it with my three-year-old daughter, and then by myself after she'd gone to sleep. Split up into five sections, it was easy to dip in and out of with my daughter, stopping at stories where she liked the pictures, talking the stories through, discussing the different experiences and adversities of the women and girls. That's one of the things I like about it the most, by being in graphic novel format, it seems so much more accessible (I say this as someone who hates the assumption...

“ Sandman/Locke & Key: Hell & Gone “ Writers: Joe Hill and Neil Gaiman Artists: Gabriel Rodriguez, Sam Keith, and Mike Dringenberg Color Artists: Jay Fotos, and Daniel Vozzo Letterers: Shawn Lee, Robbie Robins, and Todd Klein Review by  Steve J. Ray Summary When it comes to comics that dwell in the realms of horror and dark fantasy, few titles are as well known or as well loved as  Sandman , or  Locke & Key . When talking about comics writers and novelists from those genres, few names are spoken about with more respect than Neil Gaiman or Joe Hill. So, as you can imagine, when I was asked if I could write a review about the three issue  Sandman/Locke & Key: Hell & Gone  crossover by IDW and DC Comics Black Label, I could barely contain my excitement. The beautiful part of this three-comic set is the fact that both publishers took into account that perhaps not everybody out there may have previously read any  Sandman , or  Locke ...

"Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story" Writer: Lilliam Rivera Artist: Steph C. Review by Fay Clark Fantastic Universes has been lucky enough to get an early reader's copy of Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story . I already love the character and have also super enjoyed most of the YA graphic novels DC has been putting out, so I jumped at the chance to review this one! Finally a relatable teenager! There's just something about the character of Jessica Cruz that is so relatable. I don't know whether it's the AMAZING mental health representation, or the AWESOME Mexican and Honduran representation, or even just the BADASSNESS of an independent woman. There's so much going on with this character, and writer Lilliam Rivera really has stepped up and shown us every facet of Jessica's personality! This is definitely not a normal Green Lantern origin story, but it's the genesis of Jessica Cruz. The book uncovers more about her background and all the struggles she'...

BOOM! Studios Reveals HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #1 Variant Cover by Gabriele Dell’Otto Discover HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER from the Acclaimed Creators of the Bestselling Horror Series in October 2021 BOOM! Studios revealed today a super-rare variant cover by acclaimed artist Gabriele Dell’Otto (Detective Comics) for HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #1, the premiere issue of the brand new ongoing original series in the world of the Eisner Award-nominated SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN , written by co-creator James Tynion IV ( The Department of Truth , The Nice House on the Lake ) and co-writer Tate Brombal ( Barbalien ), and illustrated by co-creator Werther Dell‘Edera ( Razorblades ) and artist Chris Shehan ( The Autumnal ), colorist Miquel Muerto ( Something is Killing the Children ), and letterer AndWorld Design ( The Many Deaths of Laila Starr ). Discover the inner workings of the mysterious House of Slaughter in this new horror series exploring the secret history of the Order that forged Erica Slaughte...

On September 14 digital publisher NeoText will publish WEREWORLD, a new illustrated novella about a year of increasing terror in a small Minnesota town by acclaimed author Ben Percy and superstar artist Francesco Francavilla. Acclaimed Author Ben Percy and Superstar Artist Francesco Francavilla Collaborate on the Supernatural Horror Novella WEREWORLD Digital Publisher NeoText Will Publish The Illustrated Novella Charting A Year of Increasing Terror in A Small Town Acclaimed author Benjamin Percy and superstar artist Francesco Francavilla have collaborated on WEREWORLD, a new illustrated novella about a year of increasing terror in a small Minnesota town. The supernatural novella will be published by digital publisher NeoText this fall. What if The Purge were supernatural? What if, instead of one night a year, the world went wild once a month? When the moon was full? What if the contagion was spreading among the population—and no one knew who was infected—only that the violence was...

INJUSTICE JUSTIN HARTLEY, AND ANSON MOUNT TOP ALL-STAR CAST IN A NEW DC ANIMATED MOVIE INSPIRED BY THE POPULAR GAME  AND GRAPHIC NOVEL; COMING TO 4K Ultra HD™ combo pack, BLU-RAY™ AND DIGITAL ON OCTOBER 19, 2021 An unthinkable tragedy propels Superman into a dangerous new mindset, ultimately pitting Justice League members against each other in Injustice, an all-new DC Animated Movie. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, the feature-length animated film is set for release on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack (USA $39.99 SRP; Canada $44.98 SRP), Blu-ray (US $29.98 SRP; Canada $39.99 SRP) and Digital on October 19, 2021. Inspired by Injustice: Gods Among Us, NetherRealm Studios’ popular video game, and the best-selling DC graphic novel based on the video game, Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year One by Tom Taylor, the animated film Injustice finds an alternate world gone mad - where The Joker has duped Superman into killing Lois Lane, sending the Ma...

By Fay Clark. Alrighty, back on track for posting Wrap ups. This time around we have what I read for DO IT, BUY THE BOOK CHALLENGES in August! There was so great stuff going on and I can't wait to chat about it. Challenge 1 - READ A BOOK WITH LGBTQIA+ REPRESENTATION. - Lumberjanes Vol 9. By Shannon Watters. This is such a good running series. Even if you've completely forgotten what has happened in the previous Vol, it isn't that hard to catch up! I love all the friendships and other ships haha. I would have loved to go to that camp, so much supernatural fun!⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5. Challenge 2 - READ A BOOK WITH AN ANIMAL ON THE COVER. - The Scapegracers by Hannah Abigail Clarke. I was super excited for this book, about lesbian and queer witches. Much magic and mystery. Although it was entertaining, there was something missing from it for me. I'm not entirely sure what, but I don't think I go along with how it was written. I like the plot and the characters though. ⭐⭐⭐/5. Challen...

By Fay Clark. I know this is a bit late, but I'd like to think y'all are still interested in what I read for July DO IT, BUY THE BOOK CHALLENGES. So that's what you're gonna get! Challenge 1 - READ A BOOK THAT IS OLDER THAN YOU. - Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett. I am slowly making my way through some of the Discworld books. I was told to start with the Death series so that's what I am doing. I loved this little holiday Death got to have and how we got to see all the implications of what would happen if Death didn't do his job. What a great character!  ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5. Challenge 2 - READ SOMETHING YOU DISCOVERED THROUGH FANTASTIC UNIVERSES. - Future State Immortal Wonder Woman #1 by Becky Cloonan and Jen Bartel. How are people not in love with this and shouting about it from the rooftops? I adore everything about this. The storyline is excellent and Jen Bartel is a Saint. The way Wonder Woman's costume has changed is so visually stunning and heartbreaking at the same t...

By Fay Clark Well, August completely ran away with me! Sorry for not posting my usual wrap-up and recommendations last month. I am however, back! With even more challenges and fun than last time! I will be doing the wrap ups I've missed, so keep and eye out for those... but for now, here are SEPTEMBER'S READING CHALLENGES. Challenge 1 - Read a book on your commute, or if you don't commute read a book outside. Challenge 2 - Read a book with food on the cover or in the title. Challenge 3 - Read your most anticipated book on your to be read pile.  Challenge 4 - Read the first book that comes to mind when I say the word "Wolf". Challenge 5 - Pick of the month is from our very own video gaming dude/giant nerd Philip! He has chosen Saga Vol 1. by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples. I am super looking forward to reading this month's challenges.  I have already picked out which books I'm reading. Come check me out on wour insta page for more updates throughout the...