Book Review: The Boys Omnibus, Volume 6

Garth Ennis, et.al., The Boys Omnibus Volume 6. Mount Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2020. ISBN: 9781524108595.  ISBN: 9781524113377. 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: superheroes, antiheroes, satire, adapted to television

Format: trade paperback omnibus edition

Source: Hutchins Library, Berea College 

 

As I look back, I realize I read and reviewed volume 5 almost a year ago; that review is dated April 11, 2025. I will include links to the previous reviews in the series below. Anyhow, I finally picked this up and read it, thus completing the series. As I have stated before, I have not seen the Amazon series. 

This volume includes issues 60-72 of the original comics, which bring us to the end of the series. In addition, the volume includes some bonus materials including the original series pitch with author commentary, the series cover gallery, and a pin-up gallery. 

The inevitable confrontation between The Seven, led by the Homelander, and The Boys arrives. When Homelander schemes a coup to take over the United States, The Boys and the U.S. military spring into action. But that is not all. Ennis gives us a surprise twist, and then we soon realize that Butcher has a plan of his own to eliminate the supes once and for all. 

Once the story starts the pace is swift, and you just keep on reading. The story draws you in. Just when you think things may settle, the plot goes on. We get drama, action, heart breaks, betrayal, and more. 

The art is very good, but it is also very graphic including some gore at times. There are reasons this series is rated for "mature readers," and I suspect the Amazon series seriously tones down some of the graphic elements. Feel free to comment if my suspicion is accurate or not. Still, the art is well produced, and it is another reason to read this volume and series. 

The author's commentary in the story on topics like U.S. politics, corruption, corporations, and their abuses of power remain as timely as ever. This last volume, the compilation, came out in 2020. The series itself started in 2006, running to 2012. It is within that context that The Boys operate. 

Overall, this series remains a good series and a solid story. Even in this year and time, it holds up well both for the action and the intrigue story and its social and political commentary. Again, it can be very violent, so not for the faint of heart. Otherwise a great work, and a pretty good way to end the series. That is all I will say to avoid spoilers just in case. 

I do recommend it for libraries that collect comics and graphic novels. I prefer these omnibus editions to the previous trade paperbacks, and I'd encourage libraries to get the omnibus editions. We got them at our library. This is one I really liked, and as a whole, I'd add the series to my personal collection. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

 

Qualifies for the following 2026 Reading Challenge: 

 

Links to reviews of previous volumes: 

• Volume 1.
• Volume 2.
• Volume 3.
• Volume 4.
• Volume 5.  

 

 

Book Review: Tarot: a Graphic History

Valentina Grande, Tarot: a Graphic History. Brighton: Leaping Hare Press, 2025.  ISBN: 9781836002734. 

Genre: graphic novels

Subgenre: Tarot, biography 

Format: e-book galley

Source: Edelweiss Plus  

 

This is probably one of the nicest and sweetest books about Tarot I've read. This is a bit of a biography of Pamela Colman Smith, the artist who brought to life what is now known as the Rider Waite Smith (RWS) Tarot deck. It is also a bit of history about Tarot, and a bit of late 19th century history. 

The story's frame is Pamela meeting at a house with some female friends. During this gathering, they chat, talk and gossip, but also Pamela is reading cards for them. As she reads the cards, she also explains them. Thus we get some small lesson on card meanings and how to interpret them. Pamela also talks about her life and experiences including her travels and comments on contemporaries. 

The art is certainly a good reason to pick up the book. It is colorful, and it has a soft cozy style that draws you in. It brings the story to life. As for the story, the author does some reimagining of events and time, which is explained in the prologue, but we still get a good sense of what her life and times were like. 

The book as a whole is an easy and fun read. It is a definitive biography? No, but if you want a place to start learning about her this book is a good option. This may be a nice book to give as a gift to a beginner in Tarot along with a classic RWS deck. 

The book includes a prologue, 5 chapters, and an epilogue. The book does not include references, though the author mentions a few books they read or consulted to write this one.

Overall, this is a nice and accessible book. It appears simple, but it offers some depth. Public libraries may want to acquire it, especially if they already collect other esoterica. For academic libraries in an interest in pop culture may want to acquire it. I'd buy for our library, and I would not mind getting a personal copy for my collection. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

 

This book qualifies for the following 2026 Reading Challenge:

 

 

 

 

7 graphic novels, comics, and manga I read in 2025

To be honest, this was a very low year for me in terms of reading graphic media. I tend to read a bit more in this format, but 2025 was a hard year as a whole. Here is what I managed to read in graphic media for the year.  

The first three volumes I read during the month of May 2025, and I wrote three short reviews in one post.   

 

Star Trek:Day of Blood

 

Star Wars Doctor Aphra, Volume 6: Unspeakable rebel superweapon

 

Star Wars, Volume 7: the Ashes of Jedha

 

 The rest in the list have individual reviews, and I provide the links in the title: 

 

Harley's Little Black Book

 

 I always enjoy Conner and Palmiotti working on a Harley Quinn volume, so naturally I had to pick this up. This series is always good fun.

  

Eerie Archives Volume 3

 

 

Eerie Archives Volume 4

 

The Eerie Archives series, along with other EC Comics Archive series published by Dark Horse, are always  good and entertaining option for me. I have been borrowing them from the public library a bit at a time, and they are always worth it. I hope to read more of these in 2026.

 

 

 

Captain Harlock Classic Collection, Volume 3

 

I finished the Captain Harlock Classic Collection series in 2025. If you've watched the animated series, you'll probably enjoy this as well. 

 

How about readers out there? Any good graphic media you read that you want to tell me about? Have your read any of these? Feel free to comment. 

Next week I wrap up my specific lists of books read with my list of Tarot and esoterica books I read in 2025, so feel free to come back and check it out. Again, thank you for reading and stopping by. 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Essential Judge Dredd, Volume 1: America

John Wagner, et.al., Essential Judge Dredd, Volume 1: America. Oxford, UK: Rebellion 200AD, 2020.  ISBN: 9781781088609.

Genre: comics and graphic novels

Subgenre: dystopian

Series: Judge Dredd

Format: large trade paperback

Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library 

 

This "essential" series is supposed to be a "curated line of graphic novels showcasing the very best storylines of all time" (from back cover description). The title story, "America," is written by John Wagner, co-creator of Judge Dredd. In addition, the volume features other stories written within or around the title story. 

The main event is a referendum in Mega City One to either keep the Judges or return to democracy. The Dems seem to have some strength coming in. Dredd does not agree with the process, but he goes along with the referendum, vowing to accept the results. However, both sides have extremists. 

Within that setting, we get the story of America Jara and Bennett Beeny, childhood friends who take very different paths. Beeny becomes a famous singer, eventually finds fame and fortune. America becomes a Dem terrorist. Their story, especially America's path, is the main story of the volume. If you are expecting a Judge Dredd story, "America" is not it. The story mostly follows America and Beeny. Beeny is in love with America, but it is not reciprocated, and to make it worse, once he is wealthy, she basically manipulates him for money. You only see Judge Dredd in small appearances here or there. Additionally, the ending to the main story is just weird to put it mildly, and it seems a bit forced. This may not be Wagner's best writing. 

The other stories are somewhat better. They are also shorter. "America" at times seems longer, seemingly stretching the melodrama a bit. The rest of the stories look at events around and on Referendum Day with "Twilight's Last Gleaming" by Garth Ennis covering the events of the referendum and the results. The ending on that story is about what readers will expect, but the story also has some small twists. To be honest, the side stories in this volume are better than the title story. 

The art in the volume is still a good reason to pick this book up. If you like the art of Judge Dredd, you get some solid artists doing great work here. 

One thing to keep in mind is this series is an extreme parody on the United States, democracy, authoritarianism, and law enforcement. It is very much within the dystopian literary tradition. Along the way, it makes some serious commentary on the United States today along with the action and intrigues. 

Overall, I liked the volume as a whole, but the main story felt a bit overwrought. This volume may be more for Judge Dredd fans. I will still look for other volumes in the series, but I would consider this one to be optional reading, or you can just read the other stories in the volume. 

3 out of 5 stars. 

 

Book qualifies for the following 2024 Reading Challenge: 

 

 

 

Book Review: Arkham Asylum: Madness

Sam Keith, Arkham Asylum: Madness. New York: DC Comics, 2010. ISBN: 9781401223373

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: superheroes, villains, haunted asylum, art

Format: trade paperback

Source: UT Tyler Library. I had a note it was acquired via  a McNaughton plan. 

I picked this up this year, but I had a feeling I had read it before. I checked my Goodreads account, and sure enough, I had read it back in 2012, so it has been a while. For some reason, that review did not make it here, so I am posting it here now so I have it on the blog. What I wrote then still applies today, and I am still happy to have reread it. 

My 2012 review: 

First, what I need to say upfront: this is one of those books about peripheral characters in a series. It is the kind of story that you may or not like, and it is often a book just made to milk a franchise. With that out of the way, overall, it is a fairly good book, even though it does start very slow at first. However, once the pace picks up, it does hold on to you until the very end. In addition, the author does provide a pretty nice afterword with a dedication that is a bit of a twist. Worth a look for that.

The real strength in this book is the art. That is why I tagged it for my "art and photography" shelf as well as for my "graphic novels and comics shelf." Sure, there is a story in here: the story of one of the nurses working at Arkham Asylum, but you know the real interesting stuff are the inmates, and we do get a pretty good look at some of them. The nurse's story is kind of so-so. Now, the Joker as always steals the show and delivers a few twists and turns. However, as I said, the strength is really in the art and images of the book. The book is a pleasure to just look at and linger over. Definitely worth reading just for that. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

Qualifies for the following 2024 Reading Challenge: 

 

Book Review: The Puerto Rican War: A Graphic History

John Vasquez Mejias, The Puerto Rican War: a Graphic History. New York: Union & Square Company, 2024.  ISBN: 9781454952466.

Genre: Puerto Rico history, art

Subgenre: U.S. history, graphic novels

Format: e-book galley

Source: Edelweiss Plus 

 This graphic novel is both a work of history and a work of art. The book looks at the 1950 Nationalist armed insurrection in Puerto Rico, including an assassination attempt on U.S. President Harry Truman. This is a piece of history that is not always taught. I know it is not taught in the U.S. for the most part. Anecdotally, I taught social studies for a while in high school, and this story was not included in any U.S. History units. It certainly was not taught back in Puerto Rico when I was going to school there, and I am not sure if it is taught in schools now. This book provides a relatively easy way to learn about this crucial piece of history. 

The art is very good. The story is told in carved woodblock images done by the author. This book reprints the comic that now resides in New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art in their Thomas J. Watson Library. There may be one or two images that are not as clear, but overall the woodblock medium tells the story well. The art is expressive and can be moving at times. 

The book also includes a Puerto Rico Timeline and an insightful interview with the author where he discusses his art as well as some of the sources he used to create the narrative. At one point he talks about how he balanced two differing versions of an event to create the story he tells. 

Overall, I really liked this one. I definitely recommend it for all libraries with graphic novel and comics collections. This is one I would order for our library. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

This book qualifies for the following 2024 Reading Challenges: 

Top 4 graphic novels and comics read in 2023

Graphic novels, comics, and manga are a genre I enjoy, but last year 2023 felt a bit lean in terms of reading them. Looking back at my reading list for 2023, I read 24 graphic novels and comics plus one manga. Out of the 24, these four stood out for me based on me reviewing them and rating them either a four or five out of five stars. If the review is posted on the blog at this time, I will include the link. The list is in no particular order.

 

Lady Mechanika, Volume 1: The Mystery of the Mechanical Corpse. 

 

 

From my review: "The tale is intriguing and draws the reading in. The pace is swift and steady, and the story offers a good blend of mystery, suspense, and adventure. Fans of adventure stories and steampunk will find plenty to enjoy. The story has a bit of feel like some of the old pulp adventures. "

 

The Cimmerian, Volume 4. 

 

 

From the review. This is a series I continue to enjoy. Note that the editions in this series also include the original text of Robert Howard's Conan tales, so you can read the original along with the graphic novel adaptations. "If you are a fan of the Conan stories, you'll enjoy these adaptations where we get Conan wild, uncensored, and smart."

 

Knock 'Em Dead. 

 

 

 From the review: "The comic overall is a good read. If you like a bit of horror with a bit of humor, this is a good selection. It is well paced and engaging. The art is good and in full color."

 

Star Wars Epic Collection: The Empire, Volume 1. 

 

This was a reread for me in 2023. From the review: "Overall, I really liked this one. Do note given this is a compilation that art style may vary, but overall it is good art with great storytelling (certainly better than the recent third trilogy of films)."

 

Top Graphic Novels, Comics, and Manga I Read in 2022

These are my top reads in graphic novels, comics, and manga for 2022. These are titles that I rated at four or five stars. The list is in no particular order, and if I have a review done by now, I am including a link. 

Usagi Yojimbo: Bunraku and Other Stories.

Bomb Run and Other Stories.

Star Wars Age of Rebellion: Villains.

From the review: "I personally liked the Tarkin story, which shows how ruthless he can be. The Jabba the Hutt tale was pretty good too with a bit of a twist revealing that the gangster can also be practical."

Shadowman, Book One.

From my review: "For starters, the art in this book is very good. Early on Shadowman and Baron Samedi look very good. I particularly liked the sort of dark and fun portrayal of Baron Samedi. The art overall is colorful and can be a bit evocative."

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 1.

From my review: "Story combines good action with a bit of the grittiness Batman comics are known for, and it also maintains the humor that distinguishes TMNT comics."

Deadpool Samurai, Volume 1.

From my review: "Deadpool's humor is spot on in this series. His fourth wall breaks are great, and he aims his humor at everyone up to and including his publishers-- Marvel and Shonen Jump. "

Deadpool Samurai, Volume 2.

From my review: "The Merc With the Mouth is back and still doing all sorts of hijinks in Tokyo as part of the newly formed team Samurai Squad."

Space Pirate Captain Harlock.

From my review: "Author Alquié takes Matsumoto's story and art in a new direction that is a sequel to the 1970s original series.  If you watched and enjoyed the original series, you'll probably enjoy this one as well."

Lady Mechanika, Volume 6: Sangre.

From my review: "This is a solid selection for libraries with graphic novel collections. I'd buy it for our library."

The Art of Sushi.

 

From my review: "The author travels from France to Japan to learn all he can about sushi. Along the way not only do we learn about sushi, but we also learn about elements of sushi such as the fish and the rice as well as those who make it and even related topics like sake and soy sauce."

Book Review: 2000 AD Encyclopedia

Scott Montgomery, 2000 AD Encyclopedia. Oxford, UK: 2000AD; Rebellion, 2022. ISBN: 9781786185617.

 

This volume is perfect for fans of 2000 AD comics. For me, the book also gave me a better appreciation of the diverse content 2000 AD comics include. I mostly knew 2000 AD from their prominent character Judge Dredd. There is a lot more to explore in 2000 AD for me. The volume was published in time to celebrate the company's 45th anniversary. 

The volume features an alphabetical listing of every story, but it's not just stories. Entries include characters, places, and terms. Entries include a short summary, creator and artist credits, notable episodes/comics issues, and other trivia, for example if a comic was adapted to film. In addition, the volume features illustrations in color throughout the book. 

My only issue is that the format and layout make the entries a bit tight. They feel a bit crammed in. I read this in e-book format, where you can adjust the size, but the text size could be an issue in print. Aside from that, this is an excellent volume. 

For libraries that collect graphic novels and comics, this is essential, especially if they have 2000 AD comics. Given that it includes listings of essential titles, it could help with collection development. For fans of the comics this is essential, and they'll want it right next to their 2000 AD collection. The volume overall is comprehensive and informative. The volume also includes a cover story (how the book came about), a key for the front cover art (so you can identify all the characters), and a list of editorial credits. In the end, it's well worth it. 

5 out of 5 stars.

Book qualifies for the following 2023 reading challenge: 

 

Book Review: Shadowman, Volume 1 (2021)

Cullen Bunn, et.al., Shadowman, Volume 1 (2021). New York: Valiant Entertainment, 2021. ISBN: 9781682153741.

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: horror, occult, folklore, heroes

Format: e-book galley

Source: NetGalley 

 

This series is a new discovery for me, and this particular volume was excellent. This volume collects issues of the comic 1-4 of the 2021 run so far. 

John Boniface is the Shadowman, a New Orleans musician bound to the Shadow Loa, a powerful voodoo spirit. This gives him supernatural powers, but it also brings responsibilities for him. In this adventure, dark forces attempt to open passages between our reality and the dead side. It is up to Shadowman to close those openings and put things right. 

For starters, the art in this book is very good. Early on Shadowman and Baron Samedi look very good. I particularly liked the sort of dark and fun portrayal of Baron Samedi. The art overall is colorful and can be a bit evocative. 

 

The story itself is good and well paced. After a brief introductory note, we get right into the story. As we read on, the story grows in complexity as Shadowman works to figure out who is responsible for the breaks in the veil of reality. Baron Samedi comes along, sometimes helpful, other times not so much. He can come across as a bit of a trickster. Samedi's interactions with Shadowman are one of the things that make this a good comic. The story draws you in. I basically read this in one sitting, enjoying the plot and various details along the way. 

In addition, this volume includes a gallery of images, sketches, and covers, It also features some commentary from the author and artist. The commentary on Baron Samedi is worth reading. 

Overall, this is very good. I highly recommend it for libraries with comic book collections. Readers who enjoy comics with occult, horror, and/or folklore elements will likely enjoy this one. I am looking forward to a second volume. So far, one of my best reads for 2022. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

This book qualifies for the following 2022 Reading Challenge: 

Book Review: Lady Mechanika, Volume 6: Sangre

Joe Benitez, et.al., Lady Mechanika, Volume 6: Sangre. Encino, CA: Benitez Productions, 2020. ISBN: 9781949328028.

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: steampunk, Victoriana

Format: e-book galley

Source: NetGalley 

 

I continue to enjoy this series. Previously I read Lady Mechanika: La Dama de la Muerte (link to my review).  In fact, I listed that one among my top graphic novels read in 2020. So I was happy to find this volume and keep reading her adventures. 

In this volume, Lady Mechanika travels to Spain to protect a baron's son from what may be a demonic entity. However, when she gets there, she finds out it's not just a demonic possession case. The exorcist priest the baron called in may be doing cruel experiments on the boy, experiments the church would not likely approve but that his fathers approves of tacitly. That is not all. There may be a more sinister force at play, one with a connection to the New World. 

This book grabs you from the start. Initially I was not sure what the Mesoamerican prologue had to do with the main story, but soon the author reveals the connection. Once the connection is revealed you can appreciate the story's depth a lot more. Throughout the book, you get great world building and some very good and detailed lore. Clearly some good effort and imagination along with some research went into crafting the story. This story moves along well, has good action, and a lot of detail to keep readers interested. 

As in previous volumes, the art on this is excellent. The art is a great reason to get this volume. There are even some large panels I wish I could get as prints; the art is that good. In addition, if you want to see more of the art, the volume includes a cover gallery of the comics issues making up the volume. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this one, and I will recommend it to anyone who listens. This is a solid selection for libraries with graphic novel collections. I'd buy it for our library. It is also one I would be happy to have in my personal collection. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

Qualifies for the following 2022 Reading Challenge: 

Book Review: The Art of Sushi

Franckie Alarcon, The Art of Sushi. New York: NBM, 2021. ISBN: 9781681122854.

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: food, Japan, travel

Format: e-book galley

Source: NetGalley 

 

I can say right away this is one of the nicest books I have read this year so far. The author travels from France to Japan to learn all he can about sushi. Along the way not only do we learn about sushi, but we also learn about elements of sushi such as the fish and the rice as well as those who make it and even related topics like sake and soy sauce. The author takes us on a journey along with his friends and gives us an in-depth look at Japanese culture as well as sushi. 

 

Our story starts with the author's initial attempts at making sushi, which are not very successful. From there, he embarks on his journey to learn about sushi and research it for this graphic novel. The story reads a bit like a food travel show with a bit of travelogue of Japan. On the journey we meet chefs, fishermen, sake and soy sauce makers, and we go from high end sushi for elites to Kaiten sushi chains for the common folk. 

 

The author tells an interesting and entertaining story. There is a lot of attention to detail. This is an educational book, but it is also a pleasure to read. The author weaves the various stories together so they flow without effort, easily transitioning from one topic to the next. Explanations of various processes are clear and accessible. The text is well written and suitable for general readers. 

 

The art is simple in a black and white style. However, food illustrations and diagrams are in color and drawn in a detailed and realistic style. At times you feel like you can reach in and grab a piece of sushi. The rest of the art is basic, but it works nicely with the text. This is a graphic novel that is a pleasure to look at as well as read. 

 

In addition, the book includes a set of recipes at the end for readers to try out. The book also includes a list of addresses and other locations from the story and/or relevant to the story. 

 

Overall, this is a fantastic book for all ages. This is a must have for libraries with graphic novel collections. It is one I would gladly buy for my library, and I can say I would buy a copy for my personal collection. This book can inspire folks to learn more and explore the world of sushi. Very well done. 

 

5 out of 5 stars. 

 

This book qualifies for the following 2022 Reading Challenge: 

 

 

Ten Books I Have Read With a Color in the Title

Welcome to another list of books I have read with some feature in common. You can check my previous entry, books with blood in the title, here. This time I am highlight ten books I have read that have a color in the title. If I have done a review of it here in the blog I will provide a link. If you decide to read any of these, please feel free to leave a comment here and let me know. 

Green Lantern Year One, Volume 1

 

 

Star Wars: Crimson Empire

 

 

Batman: Curse of the White Knight

 

 

 

Batman: White Knight

 

 

 

Mayan Blue

 

 

The Black Hand

 

 

White Trash

 

 

Green River Killer

 

 

Black Mass

 

Batman '66 Meets the Green Hornet, Volume 1