Review: BOB'S BURGERS: MEDIUM RARE by Various

Release Date: November 3rd, 2015

Type: Comic Book, Graphic Novel, TV show tie-in, Humor, Punny Burger Names

About the Book: While Bob and Linda Belcher have their hands full running the family business, their kids Tina, Gene, and Louise have adventures that you won't believe! The producers, writers, and animators of the hit animated show Bob's Burgers proudly present all-original comic book stories, including hilarious installments of "Louise's Unsolved Mysteries & Curious Curiosities," "Tina's Erotic Friend Fiction," and "Gene's Rhymey Rhymes That Could One Day Be Songs." Whether it's Tina's daydreams of cloning back-up dancers or jungle misadventures, Louise's explorations of underground tunnels and time-stopping Wonder Wharf rides, Gene's lyrics that reimagine boring Aunt Gayle visits as epic journeys to fantasy worlds, the Belcher family hijinx are guaranteed to make you laugh! [Description from Netgalley.com]

My Review: So I am a huge Bob's Burgers fan. It's one of my go-to shows if I need to laugh, or just for background noise while I'm working on something. And let me tell you, this graphic novel does not disappoint. You can practically hear the characters' voices as they tell their stories. I could even see them doing these skits in a few of the episodes, if they could find a way to work it all in.

My main issues with this comic, and why it didn't get a gushy perfect rating, were mostly technical details. In Gene's sections (the "Gene's Rhymey Rhymes That Could One Day Be Songs"), the print was so small I had to squint to read it all. And anything involving Linda and Bob was maybe given one page, while Tina, Gene, and Louise's stories went on for multiple pages - sometimes several panels too long.

That said, I still greatly enjoyed this. It's a fast read, and a super fun one. I will definitely be on the lookout for more Bob's Burgers comics in the future!

Cover Lovin': I do like this cover, but I almost wish they had gone with one of the variant covers because there were some seriously hilarious ones.

Recommendation: Some familiarity with the show is recommended before picking up this graphic novel.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)! Fun just like the show, but some of the little skits were a bit too long.

Get your copy of "Bob's Burgers: Medium Rare" today from Amazon.com!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy of this in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thanks Netgalley!

Review: DRESDEN FILES: DOWN TOWN by Jim Butcher & Mark Powers

Release Date: October 13th, 2015

Type: Series, Magic, Graphic Novel, Comic Book, Wizards, Between the Novels, Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction, Talking Skulls and Such

About the Book: Chicago wizard-for-hire Harry Dresden and his new apprentice, Molly Carpenter, intend to end the havoc caused by a mad sorcerer - one whose ambitions would have the Windy City streets carved out as his own private kingdom. But when the magical upstart enters into an alliance with the notorious mob boss "Gentleman Johnnie" Marcone, will the fast-and-loose Dresden and his young charge survive unscathed? This graphic novel collects the critically acclaimed, six-issue series in one volume, and features a bonus section with Jim Butcher's original story outline, sketchbook artwork from Carlos Gomez, cover gallery with roughs from Stjepan Sejic, and more! [Description from Netgalley.com]

My Review: I like these "between the novels" stories because it lets me get a taste of Dresden's world for a short time. I really enjoy this series, in fact, I consider it a modern day classic in the field of Urban Fantasy. Dresden is a fascinating character, and his friends even more so. All the wacky members of his family (be they blood related or no), add so much to the series, and make it something special - and this graphic novel is no different. In fact, I think Mouse, Molly, and the ever interesting Marcone make this graphic novel more interesting than it would have been if it was just Dresden fighting the bad guy.

There was nothing wrong with this story. I didn't find any major faults. My only comment is that it wasn't so deeply fascinating and magical that I couldn't put it down. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't great. Maybe because this story is so short, it doesn't have the magic of the actual Dresden novels. But this was good enough to hold me over until Dresden gets his next book.

Cover Lovin': Looks good, and fits with the other Dresden Files graphic novels I have seen.

Recommendation: At least some familiarity with Dresden is recommended prior to reading this. Background information is included for those that might not be caught up, but there's a lot of little stuff that will leave the reader confused or unsure if they're not familiar with the series.

Final Rating: THREE POINT FIVE out of FIVE stars (3.5/5).

Check out some of the other Dresden Files Graphic Novels!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.