Paper Girls: Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan

3 out of 5 stars for keeping me baffled but intrigued
The Jekyll Island Chronicles, Book One: A Machine Age War by Steve Nedvidek
Another NetGalley find, it was the alternate history spin in this graphic novel that drew me in. It’s set in the 1900s and features a host of historical figures, just not as we might know them. As the story opens around World War I, we learn that Jekyll Island is a ‘holiday’ destination to the rich and influential (Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Morgan, Canegie and Ford all hanging out there at various points). As it becomes apparent that the world isn’t quite done pulling itself apart, the ‘Jekyll Island Club’ set about trying to track down those with the skills that could be used to combat emerging new enemies. Their development of the heroes that they find and their forays into battling a lurking evil were entertaining enough. Not necessarily particularly original but enjoyable to read. It reminded me of a steampunk version of the X-Men to be honest so if that sounds like your thing, you’ll probably enjoy this one. I think the main thing that I felt that I was missing out on was knowledge of the American ‘leads of industry’ from the time. I knew the names most of the time but not necessarily what they were famous for and I don’t doubt that there were references that I missed as a result. It wasn’t obstructive and it didn’t detract from my face value enjoyment but maybe there’s more to this for readers who are better versed in American history than I am. I believe that this is the first in a series of six graphic novels and I liked this enough to give another one a go. Especially if there’s more of the lady whose name I’ve forgotten but who can conduct electricity! The art and colour work really add to the vintage, steampunk feel and I liked the way drawing style and how it was more true-to-life than surreal (I feel as though there’s a term for that that I just don’t know…)
3.5 out of 5 stars for the cameos from British historical figures that I did recognise and for giving me a steampunk action fix!
Fables: Volume 2 – Animal Farm by Bill Willingham

4 out of 5 stars for the black humour, the twisted versions of my favourite fairytale characters and just generally being my favourite comic series that I’ve read so far