SS: Young Avengers and Ultimate Spider-man

Hey! So this week I've been graced with the reading of "Mic Drop at the Edge Time and Space" and "The Death of Spider-man".

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They were both good reads that I recommend! Let's start with "Mic Drop".


The Young Avengers is the comic series to start with if you are a raving Tumblr fan that screams at corporations to add more "diversity". Literally this line up has two girls, two PoC, two aliens, and according to this page, not one straight character:

 

Long story short. You've got all of the diversity you could want in this series.

 

 

As for me, well, I enjoyed the writing. This graphic novel consists of 5 comics, and I still felt like I got to know the characters really well! As you can see, the art is phenomenal.

 

Here's my favorite panel:

 *Drools* It's so pretty!

 

Character wise I think I found myself a new precious cinnamon roll: Wiccan (the above cutie).  (#billy protection squad) Not that he needs protection since he can literally alter comic-book reality...

 

Next fav: Miss America. No seriously, she's awesome. I'm still not quite sure what her powers/abilities are since I jumped in with this comic, but it look like she kicks butt, and opens portals. Seems legit. My favorite thing is how she doesn't have a little form fitting suit like everyone else.

She's literally like, "Screw this. Imma fight crime with my chucks on!" (Look at those hoop earrings though. You open a case of girl butt whoopin'!)

As for plot, I enjoyed it! (The whole, only teenagers can defeat mother thing was a little cheesy, but you know, also necessary otherwise the real Avengers would have saved the day giving no plot so yeah.)

Coolest bit: The Mystery of Patriotic 20 Questions.
It's only just begun, and something tells me that Prodigy was right about his predictions.

Young Avengers: #11-15 by Kieron Gillen and  Jamie McKelvie

 

"The Death of Spider-man":

 

This was my first experience with the Marvel Ultimate Universe, and so far it's been interesting.

 

This graphic novel was super heart wrenching. Like I totally needed it...

 

The premise is that Shield is "recruiting" 16 year old Spidey, and Cap comes to collect him from training. Cap actually tells Peter that he's not considering the real side of being a soldier- death, and that he needs to fight smarter to save people's lives.

 

Okay, that's a really harsh and dumb thing to say to a 16  year old that lost his parents at a young age, and then started fighting crime because of his uncle's death. You really gonna say Peter doesn't know death Captain? Because you better be joking.

 

In fact this entire series goes on to prove Captain wrong. Peter risks everything to protect the people that he loves, and proves time and time again that he is mature enough to handle the stakes of crime fighting. He single handedly takes on Norman and his goons while wounded by a bullet to the gut. Not only is that incredibly brave, but his death is caused by this wound and other injuries, and you know why Peter has that wound? He jumped in front of a bullet headed for Captain's kneecap. HIS KNEECAP! (I've read that Steve feels really guilty about Peter's death afterwards. You better be.)

 

 

This is why I'm so impressed with this story. I haven't read a single other graphic novel or comic from the Ultimate Universe, yet this story hit me in the gut harder than any other. It's a story about a 16 year old boy showing more courage and love than even one of the best thought possible. As Captain says in the same chain of events in a different comic: he really did grow up to be the best of them.

 

Peter grows internally as well. He learns that even though he didn't save his uncle, he saved his aunt, Gwen, MJ, and his other friends. He is fulfilled when he dies.

 

Long story short? New favorite comic. Done.

 

I understand that Miles Morales takes Peter's place in this world. He sounds really awesome, and I can't wait to read stuff with him in it! (I did read one Spider-Verse.)

 

What have you guys been reading? Did you like Young Avengers? Is Ultimate better than 616? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to follow on Tumblr, Blogger, and Email!

 

~Lizzie

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children: Lizzie

Hi every one! Lizzie here, and today I'm here to give you my look at Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs.

I've been meaning to read this book for a long time. Last summer when I visited Christine she recomended it to me (I think she was reading it at the time.) To be honest I was kind of creeped out by all of the pictures (and I already knew Christine was more hardcore than me thanks to her love of Criminal Minds), so I sort of nodded and smiled, and thought to myself I will not read books about demon children. About a year later once I was over my paranoia I picked it up at my local library and here we are!

Non spoiler review:
Jacob's grandpa has always been kind of crazy. He was a survivor of WWII, and Jacob's dad says that's why he tells so many stories about monsters. Jacob had long ago accepted that his grandpa's creepy black and white pictures and tales of peculiar children living on an island were myth, but when his grandfather dies after a brutal attack Jacob is left searching for answers he can only find over seas...

Full of creepy old photos intertwined with a relishing tale, this book will have you wondering what's really hiding in the shadows.

Rating: 10/10

SPOILER REVIEW. ABORT ABORT GO READ THE BOOK.

As always, let's begin with the story.

PLOT:

Okay there is very little that is unoriginal in Miss Peregrine's. Give me a sec while I try to compare it to another book...It has the feel of a Lemony Snicket book, and The Mysterious Benedict Society, and a Tim Burton movie smashed into one. Yeah. That's it. It kinda feels like what I've read of the Darkest Minds trilogy, but forgive me that is about fifty pages. (Tbr.) But other than the feel? Yeah I've got no books that I can compare the story to.

The entire story was also in the form of a mystery so I was like, oh my gosh where are the children? What is a Hollowghast??? How are they alive??? Aghhh.

The entire concept of people with magic abilities hiding away from public eye may not be the most original, throw in time loops, elderly children, demonic creatures dipped in the black ink of the devils imagination, peculiar not necessary helpful abilities, oh yeah this is completely different than the cliche you were thinking of. Plus, we the reader get a visual experience as we see the pictures that the author drew this story from!

I loved the world that the author created immensely, and I think my favorite part was the weird abilities and the hollowghasts. Like, ooh peculiar abilities what can they fly??? Well, Olive can levitate...no, these powers aren't what you would expect. A boy with bees living inside him, a girl that animates plants, a boy that sees the future, a girl that has a mouth on the back of her head, and a kid the freaking raises the dead??? whAt. There is definitely a reason these kids are peculiar, and I love it. (But personally, that reeanimation of living things kid scares the waffles out of me.)

Speaking of abilities, let's talk about Jacob's and how he is the only one of the group to see Hollowghast? Ha ha ha. Yeah, thanks. It's not enough you had to have create everyone's worst nightmare (the thing is like venom from Spiderman but beast), you also make it practically invisible so it can frickin disassemble its victims with its teeth. Ha ha ha ha *sweats*. I totally won't need mental help after this. Oh and you also had to make the wights pupiless? No, no I'll be fine!

Last awesome part- the loops. Dang Jacob made those sound like a twisted paradise like a frickin dream crab was eating his brain or something. (Watch Doctor Who, kids.) Anyway, I thought that although practical for the children, the loops added to the creepy factor. Like, immortality? Okay. But immortality by living the same day over and over for seventy years??? That's like doublely unnatural. I've never been comfortable with the idea of immortality. Frankly, it scares me more than death. I feel like I'd go crazy living in this body for all of eternity. So honestly, the loop sounded like a personal hell. Which was great for a book made to creep you out! I like creepy things! As long as it's not ghosts or zombies. Never ghosts and zombies. (Laugh all you want about the zombies but cannibalism is a legit thing to be freaked out about.)

The only problem I had with the plot was it was kind of obvious that Jacob's psychiatrist was a wight.
CHARACTERS:

Jacob: I like how the entire book has a sub plot of Jacob trying to discover the man that his grandfather was. It's sad, because you can tell that his parents aren't very good at showing that they love him, and we know that he only has one friend. Jacob's grandfather is the only person that we know of that really cared about him and showed it, and he is mysteriously murdered. Jacob thinks that he knows who the most important person in his life was, but he doesn't. Jacob thinks he understands his life, but he doesn't. The writer cleverly weaves a self discovery story into this peculiar book that all people can connect to.

I like how curious, blunt, and kind that Jacob is. The other cool thing about Jacob is that he is the perfect narrator for the story. He's just an average teenager that feels like he's getting nothing out of life. If you know Doctor Who Jacob is kind of like our Rose Tyler. Every other companion has a loud personality or a distinct one. They feel special. But Rose? Rose is you and me. She's ordinary, but turns out to be fantastic. Through her we feel that we can be fantastic. It's the same with Jacob. He is the perfect bridge between the reader and his world. Ordinary like us, and peculiar like it.
Emma: Aka the Queen. Emma is pretty cool. She's eighty some years old yet acts like a regular sixteen year old girl. She's hot headed, flirtatious, passionate, loyal, smart, quick thinking, and kind of awkward around boys. Like when she and Jacob get into a wrestling match on the beach (wasn't she taking his belt off and throwing sand at him? O-o okay that makes sense in context.). Girl. What are you doing??? I love her.

Speaking of Emma and her way of dealing with boys, the story about her and Abe was pretty sad. (No wonder she can't act normal around a boy she likes. She got her heart broken, and then the love of the her life died because they were attacked by things that have been hunting her kind.) It kind of made her "relationship" with Jacob weird though, (also the fact that she is old enough to be his grandma) but she and Jacob are so cute I ignore it.

But seriously, Jacob and Emma. You may have read my last review of Shatter Me if you did you probably know how I felt about the romance. Well, this is what I like. I understand that sometimes high schoolers manage to find the love of their life, but it is rare in real life. In YA it is quite common. And actually? I'm okay with that. As long as the author can prove to me in ways other than make out scenes and passionate confessions that the two characters love each other.

 Anyways, when I'm reading YA books and teenagers fall in love I kind of sit there like, I don't feel like I'm mature enough to feel this, and I get told I'm pretty mature for my age. The author really made Emma and Jacob's relationship realistic to me in their maturity levels. They aren't even focused on their crushes on each other, getting to know each other is more of what they do, even though they know their feelings are requited. There are various other reasons for this other than building a platonic relationship, but I liked that we are getting a build up for them. Also, that like before mentioned with the sand,  they are pretty awkward.

Remember, these are just my opinions. I had nothing against Juliette and Adam. I just prefer it when my romance has build up. Some people hate that. Feel free to discuss in the comments you opinion!

So yeah, well done Ransom Riggs.

Miss Peregrine: Adds to the Tim Burton orphanage feel. She's like Professor McGonagol! I also love that she can only turn into a bird, and not any animal. I really hope Riggs explores her past and what happened to her brothers. I mean if my brother was turned into a hollowghast I'd die of grief. Not only are they practically dead, but they're hunting and eating your people!

The children: so cute. I loved them all. Olive and Millard were my favorite!
OVERALL ENJOYMENT: Overall this book wwas a pleasure to read, and I loved every second.  I high recommend it.

Cheers! Remember to follow via tumblr, blogspot, or email!
-Lizzie
(Tomorrow: Young Avengers and the Death of Ultimate Spider-Man)

Shatter Me: Lizzie

Hello everyone! Christine and I are on a roll aren't we?

I promised I'd try to review every book that I read so... without further ado...Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi!

Non spoilery review: A girl named Juliette has been locked in a mental institution for about the past three years because of an incident. She's been neglected all her life because of her strange power- the ability to kill by touch. Having not touched someone in 3 years Juliette has long succumbed to the idea that she is a monster, loved by no one, and always will be. Everything changes when she gets a cell mate- a young man named Adam who seems oddly familiar...

I found Shatter Me a bit melodramatic at times and soap opera-ish, but overall it was a quick paced read that I enjoyed. The characters weren't my favorite, but what is keeping me going is the strange setting. I'll probably read the next book in the setting.

Rating: 7/10

Now, here's the part where if you haven't read the book, you run far, far away, and save this review for until you've read the book.

 SPOILERS

PLOT: 

Shatter Me definitely felt like the first in a series. A lot of the book was spent developing the premise, which wasn't necessarily bad, but not the most interesting. None the less, it was a quick read. A lot of the exposition is intermeshed with action so it's all good. 

The setting and world that Mafi has built really intrigued me. I loved that Juliette hints that the destruction of the world has been brought about by environmental wreckage- not a massive war or disease. On the contrary, human disregard for the environment brought about war and disease. Most of the time whenever something emotional or character wise was going on, all I cared about was knowing more about this society and how it came to be. The "government" was pretty dystopian cliché, but the circumstances that brought about this dictatorship? That I was dying to know.

In a sense, I feel that Mafi has sacrificed making her first book stand out, by withholding what ultimately makes it so special. The story in the beginning and middle of Shatter Me is a slightly different version of a story we all know, and about half way through the book I had decided I wouldn't finish the series. However, towards the end, the curve is thrown, revealing the real story that was hinted at all along. When I finished, I knew I'd be reading more.

There are too many questions that were left unanswered, and clearly Mafi knows how to hook a reader.

CHARARCTERS:

Juliette: What I really enjoyed about Juliette was that she was realistic. She's not a hero, she's not strong. She becomes hysterical, feels weak, and is very out of shape. I appreciate her not being a kick butt chick. She's also incredibly kind, which I also appreciate.

However, some of these aspects also made Juliette somewhat annoying at times. It's somewhat of a dilemma. Her reaction is totally rational, but yet sometimes I wanted to roll my eyes. Maybe that's because she reminds me of... me. We read stories about heroes so that we can feel inspired by their courage, but when we recognize fear in them, the fear we feel, we get angry. Angry because we are angry with ourselves for our weakness. However, Juliette is like us. I sense she'll only grow stronger in the next books, like real people.

What I mostly didn't like was how over the top soap opera Juliette felt at times- especially with my next character.

Adam: Like Juliette I has really mixed emotions with him. I like Adam- when he and Juliette aren't swooning over their love or something. He's strong, brave, kind, and he's got a really interesting back story.

But back to Adam and Juliette's relationship. It's so... dramatic! I like them when Adam is talking about how he liked Juliette because she was so kind to other kids at their school, but when they're making out and saying passionate 'I love you'? I can't. I hope that Mafi can make them a little more...realistic. They're so infatuated with each other. The problem with infatuation is that the center of a relationship is romance. I believe that in committed loving relationships the center is all aspects of a relationship- romantic, platonic, everything. Married couples are partners, lovers, best friends, confiders, they are each other's world. Right now, Juliette and Adam are simply lovers. They say 'I love you' without really knowing what it means. Their relationship hasn't matured past high school fling. (And I mean they are high-school age so...)

Oh and seriously... the amount of physicality in their relationship makes me extremely uncomfortable.

 I get it for Juliette I suppose, but Adam...? (You'll soon learn I really don't like sex in books. It is a private thing that should not be in books at all. Period.)

Warner: Oh gosh. This guy is freaky. I don't think I've ever been more freaked out by a villain. Why? Warner is a character that we encounter in everyday life. Ladies, you know him as the creepy boy stalker. Yes. Every girl's worst nightmare- a psycho boy having a crush on you and NOT LEAVING YOU ALONE!

 *shivers* Everything about him is disturbing. And why do I get a rapist vibe off of him? Oh yeah because he sexually assaulted Juliette. (Yes, kissing someone without consent is sexual assault.) Geeze! Stay away from her psycho!

I was talking with my brother and his friend and you know who Warner reminds me of?

This chick from Disney Channel's Jessie. (I have younger siblings. Don't you judge me.) Look her up. Her name is Creepy Connie for a reason.

And not only is Warner a stalker, but he has a seriously wacked up sense of morals. He doesn't hesitate to kill, puts his men in danger, and FREAKING NEARLY KILLS A TWO YEAR OLD. he he. Congrats Tehereh Mafi, you've scared the crap out of me.

OVERALL ENJOYMENT: 

Overall Shatter Me was a quick, interesting read. The villain was terrifying, and the world fascinated me. The romance could use a lot of developing before you could actually make me believe the two were in love, but I give Tehereh Mafi the benefit of the doubt, and see if she can step it up in the next few books. As her first book- really good m'am! Congrats!

OVERALL RATING: 7/10

What did you think of Shatter Me? Tell us in the comments! And don't forget to follow us via Tumblr, Blogger, or Email!

-Lizzie



Book Review~ Midnighters: The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld (or the really underrated novel that you need to read this summer!) Christine

Spoiler Free Summary:

Midnighters: The Secret Hour centers on five kids in small town Bixby, Oklahoma. Namely the new girl to town, Jessica Day, who can't help noticing the three outcasts of school Rex, Dess, and Melissa. Quiet, mysterious, and each donning thick glasses they stand out from the typical crowd of the rest of the high school. It doesn't help that Dess begins mentioning strange things about the history of Bixby and strange dreams that Jessica might start to have. True to her word, Jessica wakes ups at exactly midnight to everything frozen in place and shrouded in blue light. It just trips everything up-throw in Johnathan; the friendly guy at the high school who might be hiding a secret; and you've got the Midnighters; a group of kids born precisely within a second of midnight thus unlocking them a 25th hour of the day where everything (time lncluded) is frozen; giving them, and the dark creatures and Slithers that lurk in the shadows, free realm of the town and super powers. That is until the creatures decide that Jessica is more important then the others know and that she needs to be killed...whatever it takes.

I suck at summaries...sorry about that. I definitely was skeptical about this book when I first picked it up at the library. I have read Scott Westerfeld's Uglies Series and wasn't the biggest fan, and the fact that this book doesn't even have an official page on Goodreads made me super wary as to how good the book actually would be. I was VERY PLEASANTLY surprised! This novel was like if the Maximum Ride Series had a baby with the Percy Jackson series and then was raised by the Gravity Falls fandom; it was some intense, easy to follow, page turning sci-fi/fantasy! I'm actually really surprised this book doesn't have more raves, because honestly...I enjoyed it way more than I should have! So, without spoiling anything...and I mean anything, just go read this book please. Do it. This is a great lazy day summer reading book when you want some action, but not a throbbing brain. You can thank me later.

*SPOILER ALERT SPOLER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT*

This is now the moment where if you haven't read the book you should turn your eyes around...unless you happen to like getting spoiled and are more curious about my thoughts towards this book you've never read....go right ahead. If you are one of the rare people who has read this book than I applaud you, and welcome you to share in my reviewing of this book. Tell me what you thought in the comments below! Now onto my actual thoughts on the novel....
1) I LOVED the characters and the use of individuality and originality
It's so easy in sci-fi/fantasy to have those cliche characters that you can't help feeling like they were copy and pasted from some other work. Westerfeld, in my opinion, did a fantastic job giving us realistic 15 year old's and characters that...while we might not be able to relate to their quirky behaviors, don't leave us confused and distant from. Take Jessica for example: New kid, totally oblivious to how the blue time works and the whole concept of Midnighters, wanting to fit in, yada yada yada, as a teenager who has moved to a small town and experienced exactly what Jessica was going through I 100% agree with all her actions. Not once was I cringing at the probability of a reaction to a situation or scratching my head wondering why in the world she was acting the way she was. I believed every one of her intentions.
Dess, Rex, and Melissa even were totally amazing characters in terms of outcasts. I mean, even just Melissa constantly with headphones on and her baggy sweaters and Dess maybe too creepy with the stares towards new kids...we all know those kids from high school. We've all been in classes with those types of people; and I just give extra cookie points to Scott Westerfeld for really expanding on a cast of young adults who really could have been surface characters easily, but were carefully plotted out with care. :)
Last, but not least, Johnathan....oh Johnathan. I wanted to scoop this boy up the minute he first invited Jessica to his table at lunch; and then the whole window thing? Boy, oh boy...there is nothing I love more than unknown fictional hotties who I can just love without competition. Sure Johnathan was flawed; the whole criminal curfew record thing...who doesn't love a bad boy? I think the thing that made these characters so likable, was that even though they had flaws...their flaws were almost always an unavoidable issue due to the midnight hour. (Except Rex's problem with Johnathan and constant freaking our about the lore...seriously? That got kinda annoying...)

2) The Concepts of Their Powers and the Blue Time
Although at times, the orgins of these "special abilities" seemed a bit unclear to me, I didn't really care because they were FREAKING AWESOME! (In their own quirky little ways) I was just so facinated by these gifts and  the whole thing with the blurry glasses. I think Westerfeld had some great world building in this and really put a lot of time into this novel. Leave it to him to write a book where you have to  fight off evil shapeshifting panthers with math. That being said, there were a few times when my mind was running circles about the blue time and how all the creatures were there....I know they explained some stuff, but I feel like I'm not satisfied enough yet. Hopefully, in book two we can get more of an expansion on the world and laws of the blue time and the creatures that inhabit it! Ahhh, I just really enjoyed this book.

(Plus, it wasn't just me who got really freaked out with the whole slithers chase on night #2, and when that thing morphed into thousands of spiders? Egfsakdff, I had shivers down my spine!!)

Rookie Mistakes: Things I've learned and tips I needed: Lizzie

Hi, everyone! Lizzie again! Happy Fathers day!  I didn't know if I'd be able to post today since we were traveling, but here were are.

Today I'm here to talk about comics. For the first post (and especially since I really haven't read anything this week other than finishing Avengers Assemble Volume 4 (90's run), I thought I'd tell you my taste in comics, and then, since I'm a beginner, I thought I give the rest of you beginners the tips I've learned in the last three months.

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The reason I got into comic books was because of Netflix's Daredevil. I finished it in three days, and enjoyed it sooo much. (If you haven't seen Daredevil I highly recommend it. It's rated M for violence and language and drug usage, but really just violence. The character development is perfect, the plot line of the line between good and evil, and especially the villain's story is fantastic. If you're okay with seeing heads bashed in, then watch it!)

Anyway, I immediately made the decision to read comics. I browsed the internet for the best start out Daredevil comics. Currently, I've got two Daredevil graphic novels and two X-men, along with four single issue Daredevil. I've read 1-34# Avenger's Assemble (90's line-up), and am looking forward to more Daredevil, Avengers, X-men, and I'm about to dive into D.C.

Now, I'm by no means an expert at comic book reading as I said, but after reading all sorts of articles from experts on tips, I figured it would actually be helpful for there to be an article depicting the tips that helped a beginner, and tips that a beginner really needed.

1. TV and movie adaptations are your friend.

This might be a really controversial thing to say, but I think that the best way to dive in is to watch the adaptations. This is because comics are actually really confusing on account of how long they've been going on. A nice way to get yourself acquainted with the comic characters is to use an outlet you're used to, and condenses the essence of a character into one sitting. These are also like 99% origin story so it's a good way to dive into the beginnings.

Now, there are huge, differences from book to adaptation (as always) and sometimes a character in comic isn't nearly the same as in a show or movie. (Hi, Days of Future Past! Thank you for making Pietro Maximoff American! Just kidding.) These adaptations are also nice ways to introduce the origin story. (Usually, TV shows are better at that.) These are basically just a way for you to dip your toe in the water. Once you know the character and their story, your opinion on the adaptation may change, but that's okay. Opinions were made to change.

Also ask around for character recommendations that haven't showed up on a screen before! There are a lot of cool characters like She-Hulk, Firestar, the Wasp, Justice, and more that haven't made it yet.

2. Wiki is also your friend. (Don't start at the beginning).

Any comic fan will tell you it is impossible to start from the beginning. Most of the characters have been in the books since the fifties and sixties, so it would be impossible (and expensive) to read all of the stories in order. From what I understand is that Marvel series usually per say get "rebooted" every couple of years. The stories don't start over, but the series do. You'll notice the series I mentioned above was published in the nineties, yet it still starts at #1. Comics don't go 1-onward. More like: 1-50, then 1-110, then 1-4, or 1-20. It's hard to understand, but usually when in graphic novel form it all makes more sense. If I understand correctly, D.C. isn't exactly the same, but I've yet to read those so I can't completely help on that.

The most shocking and hard to understand thing about this is that starting at the beginning isn't necessary. Just pick up a recommended graphic novel or single issue, and if you don't understand something use a Marvel or D.C. wiki to learn the history behind the situation. There are however, recommended "jumping off points" for beginners. The biggest tip is just to go with the flow.


3. Comic store employees are here to help.
Seriously. Just ask. Honestly, they're just really happy that you're getting into something they like.

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4. Origin stories are nice.
I've read two Daredevil "origin stories". Daredevil: Yellow, and Daredevil: The Man Without Fear. They are short series, maybe 5 issues each, but they are simple, and good at telling the reader the essence of the character and his/her beginning.

5. Save the cash.
Maybe you didn't notice, but comics are freaking expensive. I found that out when I spent 20 bucks on a five issue graphic novel mini series that took me an hour to read (More on that mistake later.) here are my money saving tips:

a. Library
Local libraries do have graphic novel collections and are really great ways to read a ton of stories without blowing a hole in your wallet. Also, once you exhaust their collection, if you're like me, your library can probably "borrow" books from another library nearby for you to borrow in turn. Cool huh?

b. Discount, discount, discount
Hopefully your local comic book store has a used section because that place is heaven. I've gotten a X-men First Class hard cover graphic novel for 8 bucks at one of mine. It was great. A month or two later, I picked up a paper back X-men Essentials for 4 dollars (and it was HUGE).

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c. Online shopping?
Now, we all know that prices vary from store to store, and I've yet to try this strategy, but have you ever checked the "other offers" section of Amazon? Dude, you can shave off half of the cost sometimes just by ordering at a different store or buying used. (And usually used means I read it once and never touched it again here buy it.)

6. Single Issues vs. Graphic Novels
Here's the deal. I've heard it argued both ways that buying the novels is worth the money saving. The main differences are these:

a. Single comes out every so often on a set time schedule while graphic novels have like ten issues in each that are released all together.

b. Single issues have adds while graphic novels do not.

c. Single issues will be worth money later while graphic novels- not so much.

d. You will save some money buying in bulk (graphic novels). Now, whether or not the amount of money you save is worth it is up to you.

7. The trickery of size.
This has been my big mistake that no one warned me about. Size. I've spent a good thirty-five to forty dollars on Daredevil highly recommended comics only to find after I bought and read them- that they were mini series. (Basically only has 5 issues in it.) I personally dislike mini series, they don't develop the story or characters enough for me. My tip for you fellow beginner? CHECK THE BACK OF THE GRAPHIC NOVEL.

Usually, after the description it will tell you how many issues you have been gifted with. For example, the book I'm holding right now? 12 issues. Daredevil: The Man Without Fear? 5. I would wager they cost about the same. Which would you buy? Also, comic book people like to make you pay a little more by putting "bonus content in the back". Don't get excited. That pretty much means, "Here, look at the sketches of the panels you just saw all over again so this will cost more!"

I guess what I'm saying is, make sure you're paying the price you want to pay for the content you're receiving. The two comic books I compared probably cost the same amount, but one definitely gave me more entertainment.

8. Free Comic Book Day
Yes. It's a thing. On the first Saturday of May every participating Comic Book store will offer a variety of titles for- you guessed it- free! At the same time there are raffles, contests, food, games, and SALES. My free comic book day suggestion is: take advantage of it, and visit every location that offers it. There are two comic book stores in my town. One let me take 8 issues home, the other would only let me take two. However, the latter did have a bunch of issues for a buck a piece.

So yeah! Hopefully this has been helpful. Again, I'm no expert, so, experts, if there's a tip I failed to include or if I made an error please point it out.

Next time, or sometime this week I will be making a post of great Marvel and D.C. characters, so if you have submission hit us up in the comments, email, or our Tumblr ask box.

Remember to follow us on Tumblr, here, or type your email in that little do-hickey under our profile to keep up to date with our reviews and articles! Feel free to talk about your opinions in the comments section- we'd love to talk to you! Thanks!

-Lizzie

Platonic Shipping, Speedy Cinnamon Rolls, and Twin Ception: Lizzie

Hey everyone! Lizzie here. Television Thursdays doesn't really sound the best, but I've decided to try to post something about what I'm watching every Thursday.

Tuesday night I finished watching season 2 of Arrow on Netflix. Now, season 2 has been out for maybe 2 years now, but if you're part of the arrow fandom, here's my look on how season 2 went down.

Arrow Season 2

 

In my opinion, I loved season 2 more than season 1. Granted, my favorite and only ship (LaurelxTommy) was dead because well, one half was dead, but it was okay, because Thea and Roy were actually really cute together.

The main reason I liked season 2 better than season 1 was because there were more characters. Felicity was much more present (favorite character woot woot), we found out Sarah was alive, Roy got to join team arrow, and look- a wild Barry Allen appeared out of no where! (Barry is so cute omg I want one-just kidding) Not only were there more characters, but these multiple characters had their own story lines, character development, and it was fabulous.

Season 2 also had great villains. The Clock King, The Doll Maker, the return of the Count, oh it was good. But of course, gotta save the best for last. I actually really liked the fact that because this was the second season, we didn't have to waste screen time developing the premise. This time, the main threat is clear and immediate. Details aren't all revealed at once, but much quicker than before. While the threat of a giant earthquake that no one saw coming is just as threatening as an army of crazy strong mirakuru soldiers, somehow the latter seemed more threatening. I think this was because of the fact that Oliver actually knew who was behind the threat for a long time, but still failed to take him down quicker. Plus the fact that instead of most of the killing and awful heartbreak happening in the finale, Moira Queen dies, Roy and Thea's relationship crumbles, Laurel becomes a drunk, Mr. Lance, get's incarcerated, and in general a lot of havoc is served before the final three(?) episodes.

Oh, not to mention that the crazy psychopath from season 1 is still alive, and no one knows but Thea. (Please don't be a villain next season, Thea!)

Overall I'm really excited for season three! (I've actually watched the first episode, "Calm" before I wrote this.) However, if what I've heard is true, Olicity is a very real and present factor in season 3. I'm sorry if any of you like this ship, but oh my word I CANNOT. Like Felicity, in the finale, I thought Oliver was serious when he told her he loved her (and if "Calm" has anything to do with what I think it appears he was), and I literally stared at the screen in horror.




They are a perfect platonic ship, but so help me I cannot stand them romantically. Yes, Oliver loves Felicity, but the way I see it he loves her like he loves Thea- a sister, a friend. Olicity- sorry, I can't. Maybe season 3 will change my mind, but I don't think it will.

 

Sorry this wasn't a very in depth review, but I'm saving that for when I actually get up to date with the rest of the fandom. Predictions for season 3? Well, I think Thea might be a villain for a bit, the really handsome guy that stole Queen Consolidated in "Calm" might also be a villain, the Flash will be intertwined, Oliver will not have a steady girlfriend, and hopefully Diggle and Lyla get remarried?

 

In other news. I did get around to watching the pilot of The Flash. This first episode was mostly and introduction and a premise so there wasn't much room for action, but I do know that I'm loving the characters. Barry, Iris, Cisco, and Caitlin! Oh they are precious! I love how they've tied in Arrow as well.

Look at this precious cinnamon roll!

Lastly, if you are a fan of Gravity Falls you know that Disney has released a date for the premier of season 2B. The opening episode is titled "A Tale of Two Stans" and will premier July 13. I'm very excited for this new episode!

 

When Gravity Falls first came out I dismissed it as another stupid children's show, but as time went on and I watched more of it I began to love it. Gravity Falls has, perfect humor, especially for those of us that have a sense of humor like Mabel's. They come up with the most random jokes that are actually funny. Too often in children's shows (even Disney) the humor is centered around farts noises and butts. Instead, Gravity Falls brings a loveable man-child named Sous, a cooky girl named Mabel that bedazzles her face and owns a pet pig named Waddles, an irresponsible Gruncle that is super stingy but surprisingly into soap operas, and lastly, a mystery loving boy named Dipper, who is loveable and dorky.

 

Not only are the characters and humor great, but this show has a running plot. What. I have younger siblings that watch these shows all of the time, but tell me one other kid's show that has a running plot. Gravity Falls is like My Little Pony in the sense that it was made for kids, but adults love it. (Wait, does My Little Pony have a running plot because maybe that would explain why people love it so much...)

 

I am super excited for Gravity Falls to resume. My only hope is that the episodes are on a consecutive schedule. Maybe I missed something last season, but it felt like sometimes we went two weeks without an episode. I could be wrong though.

 

That's all folks; thanks for checking this out! Remember to check at the bottom of the page to see our tumblrs. (Mine is still really new and so is our shared one.) Follow if you like what you saw, or if you are interested in seeing where this goes!

 

Bye!

-Lizzie

 

 

Intro: Christine :)

Hello there, this is Christine! If you scroll down (or up, I don't know...scroll somewhere) you'll see Lizzie's intro. It only seems fitting that I need to make one as well, considering I'm the other half of this blog. As you will eventually find out, I'm a MAJOR fangirl over the strangest of things, and my obsessions do change quite frequently, but I tend to need to rant a lot. This is that place to do it!

I'm going to put the PSA in my intro as well: Lizzie and I, while sharing many of the same fandoms, do have different interests and fandoms that we are a part of. We'll specify who is who in the title, but just warning ya'll! :)

My posts will have something to do with any of the following topics:

Books~ I'm going to try to review most of the books I finish reading...just give my general opinions and thoughts on it. Like Lizzie, I won't really have a time schedule on this, especially since I'm so busy this summer, but I'll try to do it as often as I can!

TV/Movies~ I admit that I am a huge screen freak. I have the random-est (ugh, not even a word...wow Christine) assortment of movies and shows that I like to watch, but every now and then I'm going to be posting reviews, rants, or general fangirly behavior towards a show or film on here. Here's a list of the TV show fandoms I'm involved in:

• Doctor Who 
• Alias 
• Criminal Minds
• The Fosters (Guilty pleasure :P) 
• Gravity Falls
• Daredevil (Need to watch past pilot, but it was really good so far!) 
• I feel like I'm missing something,...I can't remember! 

Theater~ I'm a huge thespian, especially when it comes to musicals! Every now and then I might have a play review (we'll see.) So, that's another thing to add to my list. :)

Ramblings~Who knows, I might post tags that have to do with books, or writing stuff. Maybe I'll consider doing rants on things I hate in certain book genres, or decide to just blog about an obsession I have with something random! Only time will tell! 

Thanks so much for checking out Nerd Chillin! XX

You can email us at nerdchillin@gmail.com

Lizzie's tumblr is: http://superxburrito.tumblr.com/

Christine's tumblr is: http://thepsychoticwriter.tumblr.com/

And our shared tumblr is: http://nerdchillin.tumblr.com/

Intro: Lizzie

Hey everyone! I'm Lizzie- one half of this new blog. My friend Christine and I created this blog because we are both giant nerds, and somewhat lack an outlet. We've both been big fans of the booktube community for maybe two years now, and I've always wanted to try it. However, I wasn't sure that it would be the smartest move to put my face on the web. So here we are! Blogging instead of vlogging.

Christine and I will probably blog about different fandoms, so the important thing to look out for is the title. We'll try to add a colon and then whoever is writing afterwards. We both have similar interests, but there are, like I said, things that differ. Here's my intro.

 

My posts will fall into the following categories.
 
1. Books. Every time I finish a new book I'm going to try to review it on here. This will have absolutely no time schedule since I could end up reading two books a month or twelve. Christine will probably review books as well, but I don't how she'll do hers.
 
2. Superhero Sunday? (Name may be subject to change.) Thanks to Marvel's Daredevil I've started to venture out into the comic universe. I'm new at this, so don't get your hopes up for a spiffy comic know-it-all. I'll review the graphic novels I've gotten my hands on, rant about the upcoming movies and TV shows, and more. This first Sunday will also include a brief intro to let all of you know what I'm most into, and what I'm lacking in.
 
3. TV. I didn't used to be that big on TV until Christine introduced me to Doctor Who. Speaking of Christine, she may not be into comics, but she watches just as much TV as I do, so you can bet that she'll blog on this too. But just so you know what you can expect from me, here is what is I've watched and what is on my Netflix watch list: *could be discussed on SS
 
Doctor Who (watched)
Sherlock (watched)
Lost (watched)
Daredevil* (watched)
The 100 (1st season)
Arrow* (currently watching 2nd season)
Flash* (to watch)
Clone Wars (yes, it's on my re-watch list. Haven't seen this show in forever!)
Gravity Falls (watched)
Firefly (to watch)
Turn: Washington's Spies (may watch)
Agents of Shield* (to watch)
Agent Carter* (to watch)
Revolution (finished pilot)
Coninuum (on season 1)
 
So yeah. Don't expect something like Family Guy or Gossip Girl.

 
4. Movies. Most of this will be on book to movie adaptations, Marvel movies*, and Disney. Rarely to I care about anything else. (Jurassic World is my current exception. That was perfection.)
 
5. Web series. I really loved "Nothing Much to Do" and "The Lizzie Benet Diaries" (is that how you spell Benet because what that looks wrong spell check what are you doing?). I'm looking forward to watching Jules and Monty and Lovely Little Losers!
 
So yeah! That's my fandoms! Hope to see some of you soon, and I hope you enjoy!

You can email us at nerdchilllin@gmail.com.
Lizzie's tumblr is: superxburrito.tumblr.com
Christine's tumblr is: thepsychoticwriter.tumblr.com
And our shared tumblr is nerdchillin.tumblr.com