Book Review: Initial D
September 10, 2024
As a casual manga reader, I found the series was free of some of the intense tropes that have at times alienated me when reading other series.
Sam is our graphic novel specialist, and loves to keep up to date with Marvel and DC Comics, as well as reading manga. When he’s not reading graphic novels though, you can find him hovering around the science fiction and fantasy shelves, or sometimes venturing into popular science. His favourite fiction authors at the moment are Sarah J. Maas and George R. R. Martin.
As a casual manga reader, I found the series was free of some of the intense tropes that have at times alienated me when reading other series.
Descriptions of the Siberian landscape and the life of the inmates at work and at ‘home’ are thoroughly engaging.
A brilliant canon exploration of Darth Vader’s rage and conflict between the events of the Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
Following the death of the Ultimate Universe’s Peter Parker at the hands of the Green Goblin, the world is left without a Spider-Man.
It combines goofy wholesome humour with a large helping of emotional character development and fast-paced fantasy action.
An amazing, character-defining, self-contained Wolverine story. No prior knowledge of the character or the X-Men is required.
This graphic novel has amazing characterization of Batman and Commissioner Gordon.
Gotham is flooded and overgrown, and an ill-equipped, inexperienced Batman must take down the villainous icon, the Riddler.
New 52 Joker is at his most violent and deranged here, and attack Batman’s ‘family’ of Robins to get to him. The ending is iconic.
This graphic novels has lots of his typical quippiness and some intense fight scenes. I highly recommended for an easy read.
Throughout, readers will find find key explorations of Nietzschean ideas such as the ‘Will to Power’ and the ‘Übermensch’.
Fast-paced action combines seamlessly with an emotionally resonant story, which pushes Miles to his limits…
A great lead in from the Ultimate Universe to Secret Wars. Also, a nice re-introduction to the relationship between Peter and Miles.
Chip Zdarksy’s Daredevil run has been a pleasure to read and continues to keep you on the hook the whole way through. Thoroughly recommended.
A seminal work within the Batman mythos. One of three key inspirations for ‘The Batman’ movie. Highly recommend.
The rules that come with the game are simple and easy to follow, but the real fun comes with designing your own rules
1984 follows Winston’s struggle against the oppressive regime of Ingsoc and the imposing figurehead of Big Brother
One of my favourite fantasy books (and series) in a long time, ACOTAR combines a phenomenal story with masterful characterisation.
Unlike the work of many of his contemporaries, Montaigne’s work as a scholar, traveller and humanist remains accessible
It has brilliant atmosphere and symbolism which elicits the alienation that is so important in Kafka’s works.
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