Stranger Planet

Author:  Nathan W. Pyle
Publisher: Morrow Gift
Pages: 144
On Sale: June 16, 2020
Genre: Humor, Comic, Graphic Novel, Fiction,
Stars: 4/5

From the Publisher:

The sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon Strange Planet, featuring more hilarious and poignant adventures from the fascinating inhabitants of Nathan W. Pyle’s colorful world.

In this eagerly awaited sequel, Nathan takes us back to his charming and instantly recognizable planet colored in bright pinks, blues, greens, and purples, providing more escapades, jokes, and p h r a s e s.

Nathan mixes his most popular Instagram comics with more than thirty original works created exclusively for this second volume to explore four major topics: traditions, nature, emotions, and knowledge. He inducts new and longtime fans into a strangely familiar world and its culture, from “cohesion” (marriage) to “mild poison” (alcohol) to the full lyrics to “The Small Eight-Legged Creature” (sung to the tune of The Itsy-Bitsy Spider).

Bright, colorful, and whimsical—yet charmingly familiar—Stranger Planet is out-of-this-world fun

From Me:

I didn’t laugh out loud as much as I did in the first volume, but it was still very enjoyable. I love the creativity and simplicity throughout and how easy it is to follow and relate to. I think because I had already seen most of these comics online they weren’t as fresh and new to me, or I could have been a bit more amazed. Still highly recommended.

Grumpy Cat Awful-ly Big Comics Collection

Author: Ben McCool, Royal McGraw, Elliott Serrano, Ben Fisher, Derek Fridolfs, Ilias Kyriazis, Steve Uy, Ken Haeser, Tavis Maiden, Agnes Garbowska, Michelle Nguyen
Publisher: Diamond Book Distributors Ablaze
Pages: 250
On Sale: November 10 2020
Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic, Children’s
Stars: 2/5

From the Publisher:

Collecting every (terrible) Grumpy Cat comic book story ever — in one giant (overhyped) comics collection!

The World’s Grumpiest Cat — and the world’s most adorable internet sensation — continues to delight fans of all ages. With her ever-present pout and sassy disposition, Grumpy Cat has won the hearts of people everywhere. Now, her unbearable cuteness and infectious sourpuss are featured in a collection of comic stories. If you love the memes, the videos, and that irresistible scowl, then get ready for the wildly fun antics of Grumpy Cat. Her comic book escapades are guaranteed to make you smile… even if she’s scowling!

From Me:

I usually love cat comics, but this was not my cup of tea.  The artwork wasn’t particularly appealing to me, and I found the stories to be a bit repetitive and listless.  Grumpy comes off as more rude and cruel than cute and sarcastic, and Pokey often feels to be more of a main character.  Maybe this would appeal more to children than to adults, they might be able to just enjoy going along for the ride.