Top 5 Wednesday

Hey guys! I'm here writing a T5W on a Saturday, again. I got a lot of homework done and I'm writing my third post...I think a nerdy alien has possessed my body. 

This week's topic is: Favorite LGBTQ+ Reads. 

They can be either books with LGBTQ+ characters or books written by LGBTQ+ authors. I guess I'll have to do some research for this one, huh.

Let's get started!

*Disclaimer: for most of these books I can't say who it is because of spoilers*

1) The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

If you have ever heard of The Mortal Instruments then you've probably also heard about #Malec. They're everyone's babies and you can't touch them. I mean it, don't. 

2) 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

You probably have also heard about this one, but since it's a spoiler, and I'm a nice person, I won't talk about it. Read the book or watch the show!

3) Weirdos by Kat Kruger

I don't consider this a spoiler, because it is described as a self-discovery story. But I won't say who it is, just in case. This is a lovely story and you should all check it out, or at least check my review and then decide.

4) Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

THIS IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL STORY. Sorry. I'm okay now. I don't think it's a spoiler...the title pretty much gives it away. 

5) Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

My babies 💜 Again, I can't say who it is even if it's not that important. Check this book out, okay? I HAVE to read book 2 because I've heard some really interesting things about it regarding romantic relationships.

I have two extra ones

Extra 1) Arclight by Brandon Graham and Marian Churchland

As I said in my review, there are genderqueer characters here, which I find fantastic.

Extra 2) Eggshels by Ziggy Schultz (a story from Behind the Mask)

In this case, the author is part of the LGBTQ+ community. You guys should check this compilation of superhero stories. Her story was one of my faves. I'll leave the link to my review!

Alright, guys. See you later!

Do you have any good recommendations? I'd love to know!

Graphic Novel Review: Arclight by Brandon Graham and Marian Churchland

Arclight by 

Brandon Graham and Marian Churchland    

Release Day: March 28th 2017

Publisher: Image Comics

Pages: 128

Source: Issues 1-4 available on Edelweiss + for free.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Summary                                                       

From Goodreads:

A lady of the blood house has had her mind trapped in a strange alien body. Hiding on the outskirts of her kingdom until she learns that an alien monster pretending to be her taken her place. Brandon Graham and Marian Churchland bring you sharp genderqueer knights, blood magic, death gods, astral projection, and a goose. 

Review                                                                                      

I got my hands on this beauty, as I said, from Edelweiss+. I was just scrolling down through the selection of review copies and I saw this graphic novel. I'm not too sure of what caught my eye; If we're being honest, the cover is not that appealing. I guess it was the "fantasy" tag, cause I hadn't even read the premise, that lured me into downloading it. Oh, and the fact that I didn't have to request a copy to check it out also helped (thanks for that, btw). I'm so glad I did. 

This was my first experience with graphic novels. For real. I've always wanted to check them out but never did for some reason. WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU, MARTINA? I read it sooo quickly, and loved it so much. I can't even begin to describe how thrilled I am to continue reading 'em. I owe it all to Arclight.

Let's dive into it

Story: I found it confusing at times. Had I read the summary from goodreads before jumping into it, maybe I would have understood it a bit more. But where's the fun in that? My ONLY issue with it, was that Lady's story was a bit disorienting... *Spoilers* the back and forth between Lady's mind in the alien's body and the Alien's mind in Lady's body confused me a lot at the beginning and made me think it was a memory of the past. *end of Spoilers* The idea or concept of the story was really good, I really enjoyed it. So, well done Brandon (I can call you Brandon, right?).

Characters: I understand, that you can't do much in 120 pages, but I felt that the characters lacked, well, character. I didn't really feel like any of them had personality, except for maybe Nowak (who was obnoxious but in a good way). In fact, I think the character with the best personality was Goose. Love that little guy, he definitely had a lot to say. 

Artwork: HOLY MOTHER OF JESUS. The art is UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE. Dear, Marian Churchland, I'm your number 1 fan now. Keep the good stuff coming. Thank you.

I'll insert some so you see what I'm screaming about:

The color palette, the "drawn" feel with the thin strokes, just the world design is amazing. 10/10.

Some good stuff:

• Genderqueer. I was pleasantly surprised by this. I think it's great to have characters who don't identify with either gender. This allows them to not be so stereotyped.
• Have I mentioned the artwork yet? Oh I have? Well, it's amazing.
• I laughed so hard with this:

 Final Thoughts                                                                         

I really really enjoyed it and has opened me the world of graphic novels. I definitely recommend it, specially since it's available free of charge (you need to have an Edelweiss+ account). Hope you check it out!

Rating                                                                                       

4 out of 5 stars

Rating System

Have you checked it out yet? What are you waiting for? Tell me your thoughts in the comments!