Comic Corner Roundup: February

Comic Corner Roundup is a bi-monthly segment that compiles mini-reviews of comics, graphic novels, and manga that I’ve read recently. Here are my reviews for February which includes stories of mysterious knight, a cozy bookstore, and heartless society.

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Suitor Armor Vol. 1 by Purpah (2024)

While humans and fairies are at war beyond the castle walls, Lucia’s life is dedicated to helping prepare Lady Kirsi for her upcoming wedding to King Reimund.

Lucia’s time at court takes a dazzling turn when she accompanies Lady Kirsi to a royal tournament that calls together all of the kingdom’s brave knights for a competition of strength and wit. A magically animated suit of armor, brought to life by Norrix the court mage’s complicated enchantment spell, enters the ring and challenges the winning knight. Lucia is immediately attracted to the armor’s dark, mysterious charm and lovingly names him Modeus. Bonded by their mutual status as outcasts within the kingdom, the two begin to develop an unlikely yet thrilling connection and sparks (both metaphorical and magical) fly.

The truth is, Lucia is hiding a dangerous secret about her own identity. She is the enemy: a fairy. She fears being exposed to the whole human kingdom, but she desperately desires to learn more about herself—especially with the arrival of a winged visitor who has infiltrated the castle walls for reasons still unknown…

Found a new webtoon series at my local library and decided to take a chance on this Romantasy. In the first installment of this series the tone is lighthearted and whimsical. I love the artwork style of Purpah and how she instantly creates an immersive reading experience through the detailed drawings. I was hooked from the start and read the first volume in one setting. The romance is a bit of a love at first sight situation, but I’m hoping over time this develops so that things don’t feel so one-sided (from Lucia’s perspective).

I would recommend this series for those that enjoy lighter fantasy tales and I’m curious to see how the story will continue. I liked the aspects of a war between humans and fairies along with the magic system too. Hope to read the second volume soon.

Final Verdict:

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The Faint of Heart: A Graphic Novel by Kerilynn Wilson (2023)

What would you do if you were the only person left with a heart? The only person left who felt anything at all? Would you give in to the pressure to conform? Or would you protect your heart at all costs? Part Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and part Severance, this debut teen graphic novel is a vivid and haunting read for fans of Nimona and This One Summer.

Not that long ago, the Scientist discovered that all sadness, anxiety, and anger disappeared when you removed your heart. And that’s all it took. Soon enough, the hospital had lines out the door—even though the procedure numbed the good feelings, too.

Everyone did it. Everyone except high school student June. But now the pressure, loneliness, and heartache are mounting, and it’s becoming harder and harder to be the only one with a heart.

One day, June comes across an abandoned heart in a jar. The heart in the jar intrigues her, it baffles her, and it brings her hope. But the heart also brings her Max, a classmate with a secret of his own.

And it may rip June’s own heart in two.

A pick for my local graphic novel book club! I went into this story blind and I was entertained thoroughly from beginning to end with this story. It has elements of fantasy and sci-fi stories as the main character tries to learn the secrets of the scientist and why the procedure has has the effects it does. It makes you question what would you do in the situation?

This graphic novel makes the reader feel reflective due to its concept and themes surrounding emotions. June grapples with the pressure to conform while exploring themes of connection and feelings. Though these aspects of humanity may be complicated its what makes us human. I loved Wilson’s artwork style in this story which is delicate but reflects the story themes in the monochrome color scheme she uses. I would like to read more work from this author.

Final Verdict:

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The Savior’s Book Café Story in Another World Vol. 1 & 2 by  Kyouka Izumi (Author), Oumiya (Author), Reiko Sakurada (Illustrator) (2021)

Tsukina is a single, thirty-something office worker whose favorite thing is curling up with a good book. When a god tells her that she must go to another world to become its magical savior, Tsukina isn’t interested. She has zero desire to go on some grand hero’s journey. So when she arrives in this strange new land, she decides to use her magical powers to create a cozy little book café instead. Her first customer is a handsome soldier who loves reading almost as much as she does. But when a fellow “savior” starts causing trouble, Tsukina might have to play the hero after all!

This is definitely an isekai world I could live in! A book café in a fantasy world? Count me in! This is a cozy fantasy story centered around a woman who wants to live a life full of book and solace. I found the concept funny at first because Tsukina is the first character I’ve read that isn’t eager to be transferred to go to another world at first opportunity. I think that because of her age and comfortable life, she’s a bit more cautious around the circumstances her journey. I found this aspect relatable and her character admirable for thinking things through without just jumping into a situation.

I finished the fist couple of volumes and was pleasantly entertained by the slow vibes of the story and action elements thrown into the story. The meet cute between Tsukina and bookworm soldier was sweet and I look forward to finishing this short series (5 volumes total) soon!

Final Verdict:

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What comics, graphic novels or manga have you read lately? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. If you have any recommendations, feel free to share those as well.