Star Collector Volume 1 & 2
Published by : Tokyopop Written by : Sophie Schönhammer Illustrated by : Anna Backhausen ISBN : 9781427860200 / 9781427860347 Ages : 16 +
Star Collector is a grounded and sincere boys-love romance that will appeal to teens in need of a fresh love story .
After his girlfriend Zoe breaks up with him , high-school slacker Fynn retreats to his favorite smoking spot to “ wallow in self-pity ”. It ’ s on that hill that he first meets his classmate Niko , who enjoys watching the stars through his telescope . Niko quickly gets Fynn interested in stargazing , and it ’ s not long before love blossoms between the two boys .
Star Collector feels more adult than most romance comics . A typical manga might spend volumes creating evermounting artificial drama and misunderstandings to test the couple even before they enter a relationship . Star Collector isn ’ t interested in mean-girl tactics or troubling secret pasts . Even Zoe — who could have been a prime villain in another series — is actively rooting for the boys to stay together .
Instead the drama driving the plot is more relatable for anyone who ’ s dated — a lack of trust and confidence . In the first volume , Fynn for all his bravado is still unsure how to act in his first gay relationship and is worried he might ruin something special . Niko has dated men before , but he worries about the sincerity of Fynn ’ s interest . They decide to be together at the end of volume one , and it feels like a natural progression of the emotional growth they undergo .
In the second volume , the focus shifts to issues of communication . Niko doesn ’ t want their relationship to be public knowledge and is still withholding information about his past : Fynn is frustrated by that secrecy even though he loves him . These are real issues that need to be overcome , Niko and Fynn feel like people you can root for .
Star Collector is recommended for teens looking for quick , grounded romance .
Sex Criminals Volume 1
Written by : Matt Fraction Illustrated by : Chip Zdarsky Publisher : Image Comics ISBN : 9781607069461 Ages : 16 +
Adults only . Not for children … or anyone who can ’ t handle blatant sexual content and imagery .
Meet Suzie . On all fronts , she appears to lead a mildmannered life as a librarian . However , when Suzie has an orgasm , the world seems to stop . She is the only one who can move in the world she calls “ The Quiet ”, which reverts after an unknown period .
Meet Jon . A typical male , who also stops time when he orgasms . For him , this place is called “ Cumworld ”, dubbed so because of a sex shop he visits during the time only he can move .
Both think they are the only ones with the power . But when they meet at a party and hook up , they realize that they aren ’ t as alone as they thought . Other than the pure bliss that occurs to get them into The Quiet / Cumworld , how can this power be used ? When Suzie ’ s library is in trouble financially , they find the answer .
Orgasm ... then , rob the bank .
Writer Matt Fraction ( X-MEN , HAWKEYE , ODY-C ) and artist Chip Zdarsky ( HOWARD THE DUCK , DAREDEVIL , SPIDER-MAN : LIFE STORY ) bring us one of the funniest comics I have ever read . Nominated for a Hugo Award in 2015 , this first Volume of SEX CRIMINALS is truly a modern-day classic . Pay attention to all the elements of the story , specifically the background and items not normally focused on , and you will have a richer experience with even more laughs .
If you are an adult , can take a joke , and talk about sex is no big deal for you , pick up SEX CRIMINALS . You ’ ll thank me later
Review by Adam Fisher , Reference Services Librarian , Lane Libraries
Reviewed by Madeline Lank , Children ’ s Librarian , Farmington Community Library diamondbookshelf . com
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