Hi everyone! Welcome to another Comic Crossover.

What is Comic Crossover you ask?
Comic Crossover is where we take a YA book and compare it to a comic book up close. Comics sometimes get a bad wrap, and so this feature is designed to shine a light on some amazing comic reads.

Sometimes you may not see straight away why I have matched up books and comics the way I have, but rest assured that there is always method to my madness! Sometimes it’s because of the characters alone, the storyline, the genre or another feature about the YA book that I have found that draws parallel to a comic.

For those of you who are new to comics, the titles that I select to talk about are always comics that you can pick straight up off the shelf without knowing anything prior about them and enjoy. So if comics have made you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable in the past, you don’t need to feel that way about the comics that feature in Comic Crossover.

In all cases, I have read both the YA books and the comics, so if you have any questions you can comment on this post!

This weeks Comic Crossover:
If you enjoyed Cinder by Marissa Meyer, then you might enjoy Fables Volume 1: Legends In Exile by Bill Willingham

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Filed under: Comic Crossover by Melissa
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Hi everyone! Welcome to another Comic Crossover.

What is Comic Crossover you ask?
Comic Crossover is where we take a YA book and compare it to a comic book up close. Comics sometimes get a bad wrap, and so this feature is designed to shine a light on some amazing comic reads.

Sometimes you may not see straight away why I have matched up books and comics the way I have, but rest assured that there is always method to my madness! Sometimes it’s because of the characters alone, the storyline, the genre or another feature about the YA book that I have found that draws parallel to a comic.

For those of you who are new to comics, the titles that I select to talk about are always comics that you can pick straight up off the shelf without knowing anything prior about them and enjoy. So if comics have made you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable in the past, you don’t need to feel that way about the comics that feature in Comic Crossover.

In all cases, I have read both the YA books and the comics, so if you have any questions you can comment on this post!

This weeks Comic Crossover:
If you enjoyed Beauty Queens by Libba Bray, then you might enjoy Harley Quinn Volume 1: Hot In The City by Amanda Conner

YA Book Breakdown: Beauty Queens if you’ve not read it is HILARIOUS!! It’s one of the funniest YA books I have read. A whole bunch of pageant queens who’s plane crashes and leaves them deserted on an island! Antics ensue. There’s some really silly and fun moments.

Comic Book Breakdown: Harley Quinn is one of those characters who doesn’t take anything much seriously, and as a result she is amazing and funny. If you’ve never read Harley Quinn before, you can pick this up and enjoy it and understand it just fine. Harley Quinn is the ex girlfriend of the Joker and so technically she’s not a good girl. But she’s very slapstick and you can’t help but find her likeable.

Why the comparison? Both books are a light and enjoyable read. The sense of humour throughout is sarcastic and slapstick and very enjoyable but at the same time the stories remain with you for ages after because they’re memorable and well written. I highly recommend both reads!!

Want to grab yourself a copy? Volume 1 isn’t actually released in a book until 4 November but you can pre order it here.

Filed under: Comic Crossover by Melissa
1 Comment »

Hi everyone! Welcome to another Comic Crossover.

What is Comic Crossover you ask?
Comic Crossover is where we take a YA book and compare it to a comic book up close. Comics sometimes get a bad wrap, and so this feature is designed to shine a light on some amazing comic reads.

Sometimes you may not see straight away why I have matched up books and comics the way I have, but rest assured that there is always method to my madness! Sometimes it’s because of the characters alone, the storyline, the genre or another feature about the YA book that I have found that draws parallel to a comic.

For those of you who are new to comics, the titles that I select to talk about are always comics that you can pick straight up off the shelf without knowing anything prior about them and enjoy. So if comics have made you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable in the past, you don’t need to feel that way about the comics that feature in Comic Crossover.

In all cases, I have read both the YA books and the comics, so if you have any questions you can comment on this post!

This weeks Comic Crossover:
If you enjoyed Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, then you might enjoy Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life

YA Book Breakdown: Ready Player One had me absolutely absorbed. It took me into this whole gaming world of Oasis which is bigger than any game we know, but quite eerily could be the future of gaming. Or living. However you want to look at it. This book is well worth a read even if you’re not a gamer. The storytelling is amazing, and it’s such a unique YA story that I’ve never seen anything the likes of before.

Comic Book Breakdown: Scott Pilgrim is in love. With Ramona Flowers. Only awkward thing is he is the boyfriend of Knives Chow, a clingy band groupie. Scott wants to be with Ramona, but there’s one catch. In order to be with her he has to defeat her 7 evil ex-boyfriends. No easy feat. Very much a gaming style comic, it’s fun and light hearted and extremely witty. There’s 7 books in this series to read!

Why the comparison? There’s a very clear video game link between these two books. Plus also many pop culture related themes! Both books are kinda nerdy, but you don’t have to love comics to really get into Scott Pilgrim. If you’ve seen the Scott Pilgrim movie, then you know what you’re getting into. Very very cute illustrations and the book appearance is actually in a novel form too.

Want to grab yourself a copy? Right here (black and white) or if you prefer colour, try here. Of course you can also try your local library.

Filed under: Comic Crossover by Melissa
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Hi everyone! Welcome to another Comic Crossover.

What is Comic Crossover you ask?
Comic Crossover is where we take a YA book and compare it to a comic book up close. Comics sometimes get a bad wrap, and so this feature is designed to shine a light on some amazing comic reads.

Sometimes you may not see straight away why I have matched up books and comics the way I have, but rest assured that there is always method to my madness! Sometimes it’s because of the characters alone, the storyline, the genre or another feature about the YA book that I have found that draws parallel to a comic.

For those of you who are new to comics, the titles that I select to talk about are always comics that you can pick straight up off the shelf without knowing anything prior about them and enjoy. So if comics have made you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable in the past, you don’t need to feel that way about the comics that feature in Comic Crossover.

In all cases, I have read both the YA books and the comics, so if you have any questions you can comment on this post!

This weeks Comic Crossover:
If you enjoyed Just One Day by Gayle Forman, then you might enjoy Superman/Wonder Woman Volume 1: Power Couple

YA Book Breakdown: Awwww this is one of my favourite YA books. Allyson and Willem’s relationship moved me so much, even though it was as the title suggests Just One Day. There was so much depth to the characters and sweet, tender moments between the two of them. This book stayed with me long after I finished it.

Comic Book Breakdown: The tale of a romance that will shake the stars themselves. These two super-beings love each other, but not everyone shares their joy. Some fear it, some test it-and some will try to kill for it. I reviewed this book recently and gushed about how much I love Superman and Wonder Woman as a couple!

Why the comparison? For the romance. And if I am cheeky, there’s a tiny London overlap between the two as well. But mostly the romance. These two stories are worlds apart in terms of plot. But there’s some really sweet moments in them both, and even though in Superman/Wonder Woman they’re superheroes, they love each other just like any other couple. There is aspects of vulnerability in both of these books and real raw moments that we can all relate to. I really love them both.

Want to grab yourself a copy? Right here (pre-order for September 23rd now) or check with your local library.

Filed under: Comic Chat, Comic Crossover by Melissa
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Hi everyone! Welcome to another Comic Crossover.

What is Comic Crossover you ask?
Comic Crossover is where we take a YA book and compare it to a comic book up close. Comics sometimes get a bad wrap, and so this feature is designed to shine a light on some amazing comic reads.

Sometimes you may not see straight away why I have matched up books and comics the way I have, but rest assured that there is always method to my madness! Sometimes it’s because of the characters alone, the storyline, the genre or another feature about the YA book that I have found that draws parallel to a comic.

For those of you who are new to comics, the titles that I select to talk about are always comics that you can pick straight up off the shelf without knowing anything prior about them and enjoy. So if comics have made you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable in the past, you don’t need to feel that way about the comics that feature in Comic Crossover.

In all cases, I have read both the YA books and the comics, so if you have any questions you can comment on this post!

This weeks Comic Crossover:
If you enjoyed The Devouring by Simon Holt, then you might enjoy Locke & Key Volume 1: Welcome To Lovecraft by Joe Hill

YA Book Breakdown: Hands down the best horror YA book I’ve read. When Reggie reads about the Vours in a mysterious old journal, she assumes they are just the musings of an anonymous lunatic. But when her little brother, Henry, begins to act strangely, it’s clear that these creatures exist beyond a madwoman’s imagination, and Reggie finds out what happens when fears come to life. This book plays like a movie in your mind. It’s such a dark fun read and genuinely plays on some common fears. I’d love to read this series again actually!

Comic Book Breakdown: Locke & Key tells of Keyhouse, an unlikely New England mansion, with fantastic doors that transform all who dare to walk through them. Home to a hate-filled and relentless creature that will not rest until it forces open the most terrible door of them all. Locke & Key is so original and different to other books I have read with a “haunted house” theme.

Why the comparison? Both are deliciously creepy books. If you love spooky reads, then both of these books are fantastic. Not only are they both quite dark reads, but they are both so original and well thought through in terms of the overall story. You’re able to pick up Locke & Key Volume 1 without any prior comic knowledge and it’s a great series in general!

Want to grab yourself a copy? Right here or check with your local library.

Filed under: Comic Chat, Comic Crossover by Melissa
No Comments »

Hi everyone! Welcome to another Comic Crossover.

What is Comic Crossover you ask?
Comic Crossover is where we take a YA book and compare it to a comic book up close. Comics sometimes get a bad wrap, and so this feature is designed to shine a light on some amazing comic reads.

Sometimes you may not see straight away why I have matched up books and comics the way I have, but rest assured that there is always method to my madness! Sometimes it’s because of the characters alone, the storyline, the genre or another feature about the YA book that I have found that draws parallel to a comic.

For those of you who are new to comics, the titles that I select to talk about are always comics that you can pick straight up off the shelf without knowing anything prior about them and enjoy. So if comics have made you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable in the past, you don’t need to feel that way about the comics that feature in Comic Crossover.

In all cases, I have read both the YA books and the comics, so if you have any questions you can comment on this post!

This weeks Comic Crossover:
If you enjoyed The Last Girl by Michael Adams, then you might enjoy The Walking Dead Volume 1: Days Gone Bye

YA Book Breakdown: The Last Girl is Danby’s story. She wakes up on Christmas and starts hearing everyone’s thoughts. But this book isn’t about Danby having supernatural powers. Because everyone can hear everyone elses thoughts. Except for some reason no one can hear Danby’s thoughts. This is the end of the world as people know it. People start calling it The Snap. When The Snap happens, suburbs and cities explode into chaos and violence. This is the apocalypse. Danby must protect her little brother and reach the safety of her mother’s mountain retreat. But it’s 100 kilometres away and the highways are blocked by thousands of cars and surrounded by millions of people coming apart at the psychic seams.

Comic Book Breakdown: If you’ve seen the TV show, you’ll have an idea. The world we knew is gone. The world of commerce and frivolous necessity has been replaced by a world of survival and responsibility. An epidemic of apocalyptic proportions has swept the globe, causing the dead to rise and feed on the living. In a matter of months society has crumbled: no government, no grocery stores, no mail delivery, no cable TV. In a world ruled by the dead, the survivors are forced to finally start living.

Why the comparison? Both of these stories are amazing apocalypse type stories. The Last Girl has a different type of spin on it, and The Walking Dead features many zombies. Both are compelling stories in their own right and there’s a reason The Walking Dead was turned into a TV show. It isn’t a horror comic despite what many believe. It’s actually a drama comic, just about zombies. And it works!

Want to grab yourself a copy? Right here or check with your local library.

Filed under: Comic Chat, Comic Crossover by Melissa
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Hi everyone!

Last week, I posted about how YA and comics really aren’t all that different. It inspired me to want to do a series that we’re going to call Comic Crossover where we take a YA book and compare it to a comic up close.

Sometimes you may not see straight away why I have matched up books and comics the way I have, but rest assured that there is always method to my madness! Sometimes it’s because of the characters alone, the storyline, the genre or another feature about the YA book that I have found that draws parallel to a comic.

AND for those of you who are new to comics, which I think I am about right in assuming it’s most of our audience, in turn, the comics that I select to talk about are always comics that you can pick straight up off the shelf without knowing anything prior about them and enjoy. So if comics have made you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable in the past, you don’t need to feel that way about the comics that feature in Comic Crossover.

In all cases, I have read both the YA books and the comics, so if you have any questions you can comment on this post!

First of all, and I mentioned this last week, but I wanted the opportunity to go into more depth this week.

If you enjoyed These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, then you might enjoy Saga Volume 1 by Brian K Vaughan.

YA Book Breakdown: These Broken Stars had this element of Romeo and Juliet happening for me. Star crossed lovers (quite literally, they’re in space) Lilac comes from a really rich upper class family and Tarver is a war hero but according to everyone out of Lilac’s league. But when their spaceliner crashes in the middle of nowhere on an unknown planet, and they’re the only ones alive, their worlds collide and they’re forced to stick together if they want to live.

Comic Book Breakdown: Saga hands down is also a re-telling of Romeo and Juliet but with a sci-fi backdrop. If you’re like me, and you’re not really into sci-fi, listen to me pleaaaaaaaaase. Still read it. I am personally not a fan of sci-fi (and if I do read it, it’s very selective on my part), but this book is so beautiful and the characters so ‘human’ given they are alien species that this is absolutely appealing and charming to all kinds of people. Basically, it’s about a horned guy named Marcus who is a prisoner on a planet, and a chick with wings named Alana who was his prison guard. They both come from different planets, and their people are at war. Marcus and Alana fall in love and give birth to baby Hazel, and when the people from their respective planets find out, they’re on the run in an attempt to save their lives and Hazel’s.

Why the comparison? This one is quite obviously the parallels in the story to Romeo and Juliet. Whilst they both put a really unique sci-fi spin on it, and on paper look like they could be the same stories, they are (excuse the pun) worlds apart. I really enjoyed them both though, and in particular Saga is extremely addictive. If you do read Volume 1, you can move straight on to Volume 2 or Volume 3 etc and continue the story as it unfolds. Saga has won so many awards, and rightfully so. It’s utter genius.

Want to grab yourself a copy? Right here, or check your local library. Many have a good stock of current comics. You’ll be asking for Saga Volume 1 not issue one. Saga Volume 1 collects issues 1 through to 6.

Filed under: Comic Chat, Comic Crossover by Melissa
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