Sneha Jaiswal's Blog, page 170
May 14, 2023
Cold Front Review – Warm Portrait of Two Brothers
By Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram) Click here for audio version
For the last two years, I’ve been thinking about doing a trip with my brother, but somehow it’s still on an invisible bucket list. Reading “Cold Front,” a graphic novel by Jean Cremers, once again made me wonder what it would be like to travel with a sibling. The novel follows two estranged brothers, Jules and Martin, as they journey and hike through snowy Norway. However, the harsh cold is the least of their challenges, as the moody Martin makes everything more difficult than necessary.
Martin, a thirty-year-old, is avoiding communication with his family and instead seeks to establish a deeper connection with Norse Gods by spending time in Norway. Jules, the younger brother who is studying to be an artist, fails to comprehend Martin’s newfound fascination with Nordic mythology and wishes he would simply speak to his loved ones instead of seeking divine intervention from Odin. The artwork in the novel is muted and minimalist, much like the natural bare beauty of Norway. However, the pages appear as if simple water paintings were slightly smudged by a splash of water, resulting in hazy illustrations. Considering the vast scenic Norwegian landscape in which the story is set, I would have preferred more details and colors in the panels.
“Cold Front” explores the relationship between two brothers who are not particularly close, resulting in numerous fights and arguments along the way. On the surface, both protagonists appear strikingly different from each other, with the contrast emphasized by their physical appearances—Martin is taller, bigger, almost resembling a Norse deity, while Jules is lanky, scrawny, with long hair and clothing that gives him the appearance of a homeless artist. However, they are both stubborn, strong-willed, family-oriented, and artistically inclined. It becomes difficult for the reader to take sides since they both have their own flaws.
Jean Cremers infuses a slight touch of magical realism in the tale, which makes one wonder if it would turn into full-fledged fantasy story with actual Gods and beasts, like “The Twisted Tree” by Rachel Burge, which was also set in Norway. But “Cold Front” remains rooted in reality and is an emotional read about reconnecting with family while coming to terms with grief, isolation and self-doubt.
It’s a 4 on 5 from me.
May 13, 2023
Demon Slayer Swordsmith Village Arc – Ep 5 Review
Swordsmith Village is under attack by nefarious demons, and just when everything seems like a lost cause, Mitsuri Kanroji the Love Hashira swooshes into the region and kills majority of the demonic beings in a flash. Titled “Bright Red Sword”, episode five of “Demon Slayer Swordsmith Village Arc” is just as action-packed and bloody as the last edition, with some bizarrely creative demonic activity.
Also Read: Demon Slayer Swordsmith Village Arc – Episode 1 Review
The animation was fantastic in this episode, and it looks like we have an artistic demon on our hands. Gyokko, the current Upper Moon Demon ranked five, likes to create hideous apparitions capable of killing people and refers to them as his “works of art.” One particular creation of his is so disturbing that it resembles something out of a Junji Ito horror manga. The intriguing title keeps fans guessing about what the ‘bright red sword’ might be, and there’s plenty of fighting to keep you hooked until the end. Just like in episode four, the only irritating element this time around was Tanjiro’s excessive talking.
Flashbacks, fights, deaths, desperation, despicable demons, and just the right amount of humor—this was another entertaining episode. Things end with a twisty cliff-hanger, which is both exciting and slightly scary!
Go stream “Demon Slayer Swordsmith Village Arc” on Netflix.
Black Cat Social Club Review – To Hell & Back
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
“Black Cat Social Club” is a band of three songcasting witches – Alice, Hazel, and Maggie – who don’t have enough magic to pull maddening crowds to their gigs. Just when their road to fame looks like a dead-end, one of them makes a classic Faustian deal with a demon – she will give her soul in exchange of infernal power! But anybody who has read or seen anything about bargains with evil forces will know that things aren’t going to go as planned.
Created by Christopher Painter, Bob Quinn, Meg Casey and Fred C Stresing, “Black Cat Social Club” is a page-turner with colorful artwork reminiscent of revamped Archies’ comics and the story is a little like “Josie and the Pussycats” meets “Sabrina the Teenage Witch”. However, Alice, Hazel, and Maggie are not teenagers but rather independent individuals living in their own flat, with minimal interference from the older adults in their lives.
Alice takes on the role of the assertive band leader, while Hazel wears a distinctive pointy witch hat and battles with her own insecurities. Maggie, on the other hand, exudes optimism and serves as the enthusiastic cheerleader of the group. The demon who strikes a deal with the girls is Peter, whose character artwork bears an eerie resemblance to Hellboy. The realm of hell is a nice shiny corporate office in this graphic novel, with bosses, managers and minions in-charge of making humans go astray.
While one of the major themes of this comic is “corporate greed versus artistic freedom”, the magic-fantasy elements dilute the moral dilemmas of its protagonists and give readers a story that’s essentially entertaining with no serious takeaways. The graphic novel cover screams “A Pop Punk Apocalypse” under the title, but don’t go expecting any apocalypse like events, because that’s only a small sub-plot towards the end of the story. Overall, “Black Cat Social Club” was a quick fun read, with enjoyable artwork.
It’s a 4 on 5 from me.
May 12, 2023
Citadel Season 1, Episode 4 Review
Finally, an episode that begins with action that’s gritty and not just pretty! But after a gripping start, it’s back to pretentious dialogues and boring sequences. And unlike episode three, this edition doesn’t even have exciting locations, although the fight scene was bloody and well-done for the first time, without the gross exaggerations. Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Nadia gets to be a swift killing machine with the bad guys this time, while Richard Madden’s Mason is still a little lost since he doesn’t remember being a spy.
Also Read: Citadel Ep 1 & 2 Review – Rather Run-off-the-mill
Titled “Tell Her Everything”, episode 4 employs all sorts of spy film cliches, which is made more mundane by the consistent cosmetic dialogues. The familiar themes of saving the world, spy romance, betrayal, and family baggage are present, but they lack finesse in their execution. While Richard Madden has been convincing thus far as an action hero, there are moments in this episode where he appears robotic, as if his facial muscles were restricted, hindering his ability to convey emotions. Ironically, these scenes take place in the past when Mason Kane had not yet lost his memories and was a formidable agent.
Following the revelation that Abby Conroy (Ashleigh Cummings) is also a Citadel agent who had her memories erased, viewers are treated to flashback sequences showcasing her exceptional skills as a top-tier agent and her connection with the nefarious Silje brothers. Roland Møller’s portrayal of the twin brothers adds intrigue to the narrative, despite his limited screen-time as a secondary villain. I was expecting a lot more from this episode, which had a great start, but dulled down as the minutes went by.
Stream the series on Amazon Prime Video.
Dasara Review – No Sparks Here
Friend and I decided to stream “Dasara” on Netflix since we both understand Telugu and it looked like a fun mass-masala entertainer. Twenty minutes later, my friend fell asleep beside me, even though it was her idea to watch the film.
Written and directed by newcomer Srikanth Odela, “Dasara” stars Nani, Keerthy Suresh, and Deekshith Shetty as childhood friends Dharani, Vennela, and Suri, respectively. However, it is their village, Veerlapally, that is introduced as the principal character of the movie. Veerlapally is a small hamlet where drinking is the primary pastime, and whoever owns the famous ‘Silk Bar’ essentially becomes the lord of the region. So, “Dasara” attempts to explore how liquor and caste dynamics control power balance in Veerlapally, but ultimately evolves into a protracted romantic story about a boy yearning for his childhood sweetheart and how circumstances unfold for him. The politics, violence and everything else is just a distraction for viewers to not realize it’s all about a girl.
It’s just had to get onboard with the over-glorification of drinking alcohol in the movie. Why should we care about Dharani and Suri, when all they do is steal coal and drink alcohol? Venella and Suri are in love, but her mother rightfully isn’t interested in marrying off her daughter to a wastrel. But apparently an emotional little rant and drama by the best-friend is all it takes for a family to let their daughter marry a thief. If only getting Indian parents to agree to love marriages were as easy. Sigh.
The jokes aren’t funny, the story isn’t compelling and even though the actors do justice to their parts, their characters are not worthy of much attention. Even the songs aren’t great and some of them could’ve just been chopped off. Had this film come out in the 1990s, one could imagine it being a blockbuster hit, however, for a 2023 drama, “Dasara” is quite outdated.
Stream the film on Netflix if you want to.
May 11, 2023
The Ghost of Wreckers Cove – Book Review
“Don’t let the adults know,” Cristina tells her little sister Martha, as the two young girls stumble upon the possibility of befriending a ghost. “The Ghost of Wreckers Cove,” created by Angelica Del Campo and Liniers, is a captivating and enchanting book intended for children, yet it possesses a certain allure that can equally captivate adult readers with its mysterious plot involving lost ships, pirates, an unlikely hero, and ethereal spirits.
The opening scene instantly reminded me of the renowned Studio Ghibli film “Spirited Away.” Similar to the protagonist Chihiro in the Japanese masterpiece, Cristina’s story commences with her family’s car journey to a new place. However, the artistic styles employed in both works are distinctively different. The illustrations in “The Ghost of Wreckers Cove” evoke a sense of nostalgia found in classic British children’s books, bringing to mind beloved titles like “Peter Rabbit.”
Nestled by the seaside, Cristina and Martha are under the care of their widowed father. The girls find themselves drawn to a non-functional lighthouse near their new home, which carries a fascinating and storied past of its own. With their innate curiosity and a shared spirit of adventure, the sisters form an unbreakable bond that permeates throughout the book, making it heartwarming. While Cristina occasionally becomes frustrated with her younger sibling, she consistently strives to mend their relationship and ensure Martha’s happiness.
It’s a 4 on 5 from me.
May 10, 2023
Night At The Belfry – Book Review
“Night At The Belfry” by Xavier Saxon starts off somber but quickly takes a dark turn. This graphic novel opens with a mugging, where 74-year-old James Ransom is robbed of his wallet by a young man on a deserted subway train. This incident triggers James to reminisce about his boxing training days, leading him to devise an unusual plan to regain control of his life.
For a debut work, “Night At The Belfry” is an impressive graphic novel, with an intriguing introspective plot and artwork that complements the story quite well. The creators employ a changing color palette to reflect the mood of each scene. The illustrations are simple, clean, and captivating, keeping the reader engaged until the very end.
Despite the protagonist, James Ransom, being in his 70s, “Night At The Belfry” is uncomfortably relatable for anyone concerned about aging or the overall nature of life. With a watchful daughter who monitors his every move, James feels coddled and frequently dreams of his younger self in the boxing ring—a tenacious fighter who always bounced back after taking hard hits. The symbolism is evident, drawing parallels between life in the ring and real life, where adversity may knock you down, but you must find the strength to rise and persevere.
It’s a 4 on 5 from me.
May 9, 2023
Watashi to Otto to Otto no Kareshi – Series Review
Nakamichi Misaki and Nakamichi Yuki appear to be a happily married couple in the eyes of their friends and family, enviable by many. However, despite their apparent love for each other, Misaki wonders why her husband isn’t more intimate with her in bed. The answer is much simpler than the complexity and confusion portrayed in the script of the 2023 Japanese series “Watashi to Otto to Otto no Kareshi” (Me, My Husband, And My Husband’s Boyfriend).
Hotta Akane portrays Misaki, a sweet school teacher who discovers that her husband, Nakamichi Yuki (played by Furukawa Yuki), is cheating on her with a much younger man on their wedding anniversary. In a slightly peculiar turn of events, Misaki decides to remain in the marriage because she cannot envision a life without her beloved husband. Honda Kyoya portrays the polyamorous Ina Shuhei, who continues to date Yuki despite being aware of his marital status. How will these three individuals find a way out of the emotional tangle their hearts are entwined in?
Spanning ten episodes, “Watashi to Otto to Otto no Kareshi” attempts to explore polyamorous relationships but ends up focusing on a group of bewildered individuals who struggle to understand their desires and advocate for their own happiness. Nakamichi Yuki is gay, yet he marries and betrays a woman who deeply loves him to avoid confronting the disapproval of his regressive, homophobic father. Both Yuki and Misaki unknowingly subject each other to significant emotional anguish, making it almost painful to witness them suppress their feelings. Honda Kyoya’s portrayal of the carefree, wide-eyed Shuhei is an intriguing character, but there is little chemistry between him and Yuki. Instead, there is a stronger connection between Shuhei and Misaki.
Some of the supporting characters stood out more than the primary trio, largely due to the fact that there parts weren’t saddled with so much confusion. For example, Shuhama Harumi plays Misaki’s older colleague at the school, who takes an excessive and problematic interest in Misaki’s marriage. Her character is representative of how “society” tries to dictate how individuals should lead their private lives. That said, Hotta Akane beautifully shoulders the lead part of a woman torn between her heart, mind and desires. Some viewers wouldn’t know if they should admire her, sympathize with her or pity her for the situation she finds herself in.
The open-ended final episode makes it difficult to comprehend the true intentions of the creators with the script. However, the series undoubtedly offers an interesting perspective on extramarital affairs, marriages, and the meaning of loving one or more people simultaneously. Although, those who practice polyamory might not necessarily be amused by the writers’ ideas about the concept.
It’s a 6 on 10 from me.
May 8, 2023
10 ‘Classics’ That Weren’t Popular During Their Authors’ Lifetime
What makes a ‘classic’? It’s the kind of term that makes most people assume literary titles considered “classics” are the kind of books that were met with rousing applause from reviews, readers and were evergreen from the time they were published. But here are ten books that weren’t met with appreciation during the authors’ lifetimes and gained significant recognition only later –
“Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville – Initially published in 1851, the novel received mixed reviews and didn’t find much commercial success. However, it is now considered a masterpiece of American literature.“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald – Published in 1925, the novel received mixed reviews and didn’t sell well during Fitzgerald’s lifetime. It gained popularity in the 1950s and has since become a staple of American literature.“Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë – Published in 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell, the novel initially received mixed reviews and was met with controversy. It gained significant acclaim in later years and is now considered a classic of English literature.“Moby-Dick” by Fyodor Dostoevsky – Published in 1864, Dostoevsky’s novel initially faced harsh criticism and failed to achieve commercial success. However, it is now regarded as one of the greatest Russian novels of all time.“Dracula” by Bram Stoker – Published in 1897, Stoker’s novel initially received moderate success but wasn’t considered a literary masterpiece. It gained widespread popularity in the 20th century and has become an iconic work in the horror genre.“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger – Published in 1951, Salinger’s novel received mixed reviews upon its release. It later gained a cult following and is now regarded as a classic coming-of-age story.“The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde – Published in 1890, Wilde’s novel faced controversy and criticism for its themes of immorality. It gained appreciation in later years and is now considered one of Wilde’s greatest works.“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee – Published in 1960, Lee’s novel was initially well-received but didn’t achieve instant commercial success. It gained widespread acclaim and became a beloved classic, addressing themes of racial injustice and morality.“One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez – Published in 1967, Márquez’s novel initially received mixed reviews and limited sales. However, it went on to become a major success, establishing Márquez as one of the most influential writers of magical realism.“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley – Published in 1818, Shelley’s novel was met with mixed reviews and modest success during her lifetime. It gained significant recognition later on and is now regarded as a seminal work of science fiction and Gothic literature.May 7, 2023
Virtually Yours – Graphic Novel Review
Eva Estrella is content with being single and solely focused on landing a job to kick-start her career in journalism. However, the pressure from her mom to find a suitable partner and “settle down” increases every day. In an attempt to appease her mother, Eva signs up for a dating app called “Virtually Yours.” This app allows users to appear as if they are in a relationship, even if they are not. As luck would have it, this unique experience also proves to be interesting writing material for a new journalism related job!
“Virtually Yours” is a colorful bubble-gum graphic novel created by Jeremy Hold, with art and colors by Elizabeth Beals. It bears a striking resemblance to the styles and designs of online dress-up games from the early 2000s, which were predominantly targeted at teenage girls. While the artwork may lack originality and the characters have a doll-like appearance, the panels are still enjoyable and visually pleasing. It’s the kind of comic-book that looks like it’s begging to be turned into a generic Netflix romance comedy.
The other main character in the novel is Max, a young man going through a difficult divorce. He works for “Virtually Yours,” where he manages a fake profile to interact with users. It’s fairly predictable where the plot is headed from the start. At first glance, Eva and Max seem like two completely different individuals. Eva is portrayed as a strong, independent woman with no interest in relationships, while Max is easily swayed in relationships and becomes reliant on his partner’s approval. However, their conversations feel somewhat unnatural, almost as if one character is talking to themselves.
The first half of the novel is engaging and enjoyable, but the second half feels overloaded with poorly thought-out plot points. Despite this, it remains a decent read for a one-time experience.
It’s a 3 on 5 from me.
