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Amelia Cole #1
Amelia Cole and the Unknown World
Amelia Cole lives in two worlds - literally. One runs on magic; the other is built on technology. When the barriers between both worlds start to break down, Amelia and her Aunt Dani must take extreme action. It's the start of a whole new world in adventure, magic, and excitement as Amelia Cole steps forward to do what she knows is right, even when the consequences might be wrong. Now all six issues of Amelia Cole and the Unknown World - written by Eisner and Harvey award winners Adam P. Knave and D.J. Kirkbride, drawn by Nick Brokenshire, and lettered by Rachel Deering - are collected in print for the first time!
152 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2013
5 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Adam P. Knave
42 books25 followersAdam P. Knave is an Eisner and Harvey award winning editor and writer who writes prose fiction (This Starry Deep, Stays Crunchy in Milk, Strange Angel), comics (The Once and Future Queen, Amelia Cole, Artful Daggers, stories in Titmouse Vol 2, Outlaw Territory Vol 3, and many more), as well as humor essay collections (NYCWTF, I Slept With Your Imaginary Friend) and used to write columns for sites such as thefoonote, TwoHeadedCat, Comics101, PopCultureShock, Three If By Space, and MamaPop. He worked as one of the editors of Image’s Popgun anthology, also editing many other works along the way.
Currently in Portland, OR after spending 38 years in New York City, Adam knows he should insert a joke or something attempting to be witty here at the end but is too tired to care.
Currently in Portland, OR after spending 38 years in New York City, Adam knows he should insert a joke or something attempting to be witty here at the end but is too tired to care.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 2, 2021
Fun in a just-run-with-it sort of way.
Amelia Cole has to flee her magical universe when the police try to arrest her for interfering in some investigation(s) that occur before the story opens -- we never find out the whats or why of this backstory. Her aunt sends her to a hitherto unknown parallel universe which has both magic and technology. She immediately gets in trouble once more for using magic to save a person from a helicopter crash.
Amelia is distressingly average-American in her refusal to make any attempt to understand the new culture (and legal system) in which she finds herself and her conviction that she is always in the right. This is made mildly more palatable by the fact that the laws really don't make much sense. Magic is used in pretty casual ways all the time, but apparently you aren't allowed to use it to save others from danger. If you do, the Protector shows up to kick your ass and probably also destroy a couple city blocks in classic superhero fashion.
Also in this world a homeless teen with no experience can easily get a job as an apartment super and learn how to fix everything.
Pretty silly stuff, but I'm sufficiently interested in finding out what the story is with the Protector's nefarious boss and his shadowy, possibly demonic cohorts that I may read on.
My favorite elements were Lemmy the Junkyard Golem and Amelia's wrench.
Amelia Cole has to flee her magical universe when the police try to arrest her for interfering in some investigation(s) that occur before the story opens -- we never find out the whats or why of this backstory. Her aunt sends her to a hitherto unknown parallel universe which has both magic and technology. She immediately gets in trouble once more for using magic to save a person from a helicopter crash.
Amelia is distressingly average-American in her refusal to make any attempt to understand the new culture (and legal system) in which she finds herself and her conviction that she is always in the right. This is made mildly more palatable by the fact that the laws really don't make much sense. Magic is used in pretty casual ways all the time, but apparently you aren't allowed to use it to save others from danger. If you do, the Protector shows up to kick your ass and probably also destroy a couple city blocks in classic superhero fashion.
Also in this world a homeless teen with no experience can easily get a job as an apartment super and learn how to fix everything.
Pretty silly stuff, but I'm sufficiently interested in finding out what the story is with the Protector's nefarious boss and his shadowy, possibly demonic cohorts that I may read on.
My favorite elements were Lemmy the Junkyard Golem and Amelia's wrench.
October 21, 2013
A fun, relatively light read. Probably lighter than it had any business being. The basic idea is that Amelia has grown up bouncing between two worlds, or dimensions: one with magic and one without. Very suddenly, she finds herself trapped in a third dimension, one where there is magic, that can only be used by an elite few, but also has some technology. Amelia adjusts surprisingly, unrealistically quickly. I never got the sense that she was really homesick for the worlds and the life she left behind. I have a feeling that one of the selling points for this series will be that Amelia is a female character who wears real clothes. And she does, and it's a (sadly) refreshing sight in a comic book. But that just wasn't enough to get me truly hooked. I guess I just needed more, and this volume didn't provide it.
May 23, 2014
A fun take on the modern fantasy genre, to be sure. Fast-paced (to a fault, unfortunately), Amelia Cole really hits its stride as a sort of action flick sort of story. Enjoy the wonderful art, root for the white-hats, boo at the black-hats, "ooh" and "ahh" at the action.
The biggest problem, arching over every other part of the collection, was how fast it went. It just blew right through, which is, admittedly, a problem in comics as a whole, stuffing an entire story into a tiny space. This would easily be getting a four star at twice the length, stopping to look at some characterization, her life in the "non" realm, her aunt as a character, and her adapting to her new world. Everything just felt kind of "bam bam bam bam bam," straight to the point, wrap it all up.
I'll take a look at number two, for sure, and depending on it, I'll read past. I'll just hope the authors let us meander through the world of Amelia Cole for a little while longer in the next one, not worried about hitting each plot-point as fast as possible, wrapping it up in a hurry. Unfortunately, in the serial comics industry, that's how it works. Wrap up a piece of a story in 30 pages, and you only get six, eight, ten issues to do it in.
The biggest problem, arching over every other part of the collection, was how fast it went. It just blew right through, which is, admittedly, a problem in comics as a whole, stuffing an entire story into a tiny space. This would easily be getting a four star at twice the length, stopping to look at some characterization, her life in the "non" realm, her aunt as a character, and her adapting to her new world. Everything just felt kind of "bam bam bam bam bam," straight to the point, wrap it all up.
I'll take a look at number two, for sure, and depending on it, I'll read past. I'll just hope the authors let us meander through the world of Amelia Cole for a little while longer in the next one, not worried about hitting each plot-point as fast as possible, wrapping it up in a hurry. Unfortunately, in the serial comics industry, that's how it works. Wrap up a piece of a story in 30 pages, and you only get six, eight, ten issues to do it in.
February 2, 2021
This was a really fun read! You kind of just have to go with it a lot of the time but Amelia is a very fun character and I think we are going to get a lot more info about the way that this new world works in the next volume. So far it's a fun action-packed little portal fantasy story with some very interesting world-building foundations so I'm definitely interested to learn more. The art is a little rough around the edges but it's very bright and fun and there are definitely a lot of cool designs.
December 23, 2021
I bought this off the illustrator approximately seven billion years ago at a convention and it has been sat under and nearly crushed by the weight of my teetering to read pile for most of that time. Finally I pulled it out, dodged the falling mass, dusted myself off and began to read. I'd bought it for the art principally, being a fan of Brokenshire's unpolished European style and it doesn't disappoint on that front. He seems to manage both the domestic and the fantastic with wild ease. Whether she's fixing a sink or flinging cars through portals Amelia's quirky world always looks pretty grand.
Where Amelia loses me is the uneven world-building and listless side characters. We're dunked headfirst into not just one world, but three. We open with Amelia in our world, battling a beast, travelling back to the magical world which we barely see and then getting trapped very quickly in the "unknown" third world which combines the two in pretty nebulous ways. It emerges that there's a sort of sinister hierarchy in this mixed world but you never really get a fixed sense of place. Amelia and her mute golem Lemmy are a good central team, but her little squad of three friendly blokes feel interchangeable and seem to appear and disappear at random. The central plot is solid enough and it builds to a good ending but it feels like it unfolds on shifting sands.
The unknown world is in a non-specific urban place, which could be anywhere on Earth, with brick buildings and sky scrapers. It's absurdly straightforward and if it weren't for Brokenshire adding dragons and animal people and bits of strange oddities in the background it wouldn't feel like you were anywhere different at all. The problem with this is that the story is about a character being thrust into an entirely new world which gives you ample opportunity to ask plenty of stupid questions and do some clever twists but instead Cole just... moves into a building and helps people with their plumbing. Admirably down-to-earth yes, but she's not on Earth, so it all just feels strangely misplaced. I think I'll leave her trapped in that world, and go back to my own.
Where Amelia loses me is the uneven world-building and listless side characters. We're dunked headfirst into not just one world, but three. We open with Amelia in our world, battling a beast, travelling back to the magical world which we barely see and then getting trapped very quickly in the "unknown" third world which combines the two in pretty nebulous ways. It emerges that there's a sort of sinister hierarchy in this mixed world but you never really get a fixed sense of place. Amelia and her mute golem Lemmy are a good central team, but her little squad of three friendly blokes feel interchangeable and seem to appear and disappear at random. The central plot is solid enough and it builds to a good ending but it feels like it unfolds on shifting sands.
The unknown world is in a non-specific urban place, which could be anywhere on Earth, with brick buildings and sky scrapers. It's absurdly straightforward and if it weren't for Brokenshire adding dragons and animal people and bits of strange oddities in the background it wouldn't feel like you were anywhere different at all. The problem with this is that the story is about a character being thrust into an entirely new world which gives you ample opportunity to ask plenty of stupid questions and do some clever twists but instead Cole just... moves into a building and helps people with their plumbing. Admirably down-to-earth yes, but she's not on Earth, so it all just feels strangely misplaced. I think I'll leave her trapped in that world, and go back to my own.
June 13, 2024
Tremendous fun with great art and writing if a little too busy.
July 24, 2014
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Amelia Cole and the Unkown World was a breath of fresh air in the comics world. This graphic novel compiles issues 1-6 of the comic, written by Eisner and Harvey award winners Adam Knave and D.J. Kirkbride.
The covers are a bit misleading - as is the description. In fact, it ended up being far better than I expected. Amelia is a fairly normal woman (early 20s?) who has the ability to use magic with a wand. She moves between the magic-using world and non-magic using world via a door created by her Aunt Dani. She uses her magic ability to help others while holding down a fairly normal life. But as the door starts to break down, Amanda will find herself trapped in an entirely new world - with its own rules both magic and social. When she runs afoul of the local "Protector", she will find herself challenged both in acclimating to the new magic hybrid world while still trying to help out those who find themselves in trouble.
If the summary makes it sound like she's a do-gooder and that it is all monster of the week, nothing could be farther from the truth. A good writer creates interesting monsters to fight. Award winning comic writers create a world that lives and breathes and in which people you care about interact. Amelica Cole and the Unknown World feels very real and fighting monsters/bad guys is only a small part of what the book is about. If anything. fighting the monsters is more of a side story to her figuring out her life and also family secrets that her Aunt Dani only alluded to before Amelia became trapped in the new world.
The artwork is perfect for the story. I really liked how the artists drew the characters and really grounded them to the story. As well, there are quite a few little graphical bon mots if you look closely - 3 kids at a convenience store wearing suspiciously Harry Potteresque cloaks and a striped tie, for example. What we have is a lively story with a lively heroine and real enjoyment watching her react and grow with her new world.
I think a lot of parallels can be drawn to Buffy, but without all the cultural in jokes that marks the Whedonverse. As well, there's more than a small nod to the game Portal. But they all work and truly the authors take the influences and make them wholly unique and their own. Where else do you get a crime fighting wand-wielding heroine wearing work boots and a flannel shirt? No T&A in sight, thankfully!
I really can't recommend this highly enough - one of the most enjoyable reads I've had in a long time.
Received as an ARC from the publisher.
August 17, 2020
Amelia lives in a world of magic, but spends most of here time in an alternate world where there is no magic. As far as she knows only her and her aunt can travel between the two worlds, until things start bleed thru. The decision is made to close of the way between the two worlds in order to protect the non-magic world from magic. Bad things happen and Amelia finds herself somewhere else. Now she has to figure out how to start a new life on a new world where some things are kind of different, and something is definitely wrong.
Art was just kind of OK, but the backgrounds were fairly detailed which really adds to the story.
The story was a bit lite considering the kind of deep subject matters it covered. It was a quick read, but I enjoyed it.
Art was just kind of OK, but the backgrounds were fairly detailed which really adds to the story.
The story was a bit lite considering the kind of deep subject matters it covered. It was a quick read, but I enjoyed it.
July 25, 2017
This book is pure middle-of-the-road. The story isn't particularly original - a somewhat experienced magician ends up in a world where magic and technology mix, and causes trouble. Amelia Cole is a decent heroine - she uses her brains as much as her powers, and isn't relegated to questionable super hero costumes. She uses a crescent wrench as her wand. And she has a golem that follows her around. In the story it works, and it's an enjoyable read, but it doesn't feel particularly unique. The artwork, the characters, the plotting, all of it sits right at that 'good but not great' point. There's nothing to say against it, but nothing to really make me recommend it either.
February 19, 2020
I might be rounding up because this was a gift.... but Amelia Cole is definitely my kind of hero. The story has too much exposition to try to explain what's happening, but you're rooting for the super/auper and her golem right from the get-go. Art is not that helpful. I'll gladly pick up the next volume.
August 8, 2017
Ok ... I'm hooked ... strong female protagonist in a strange and ever stranger world ... back to library to get others in the series ...
March 5, 2017
This a wonderfully fun, light book that's part Harry Potter and part 2017 America, where the powerful are reinforced by those in power and the powerless are left to fend for themselves.
I was particularly taken by a line by one of the powerless victims who suggests it's for the best that they remain powerless, lest they get too comfortable being treated equally.
It's an honest feeling that I have difficulty placing or finding an equal comparison for, but I know it's a sentiment I've heard before.
The art by Nick Brokenshire is the true standout here, he's so appropriately placed on this book, I found so much joy in the details of the world, from the "Boritos" to just about everything involving Lemmy the golem.
There are some strange narrative leaps that ask a lot out of the audience and the world still could use some clarifying, but it's a really solid start and I can't wait to read the next volume.
I was particularly taken by a line by one of the powerless victims who suggests it's for the best that they remain powerless, lest they get too comfortable being treated equally.
It's an honest feeling that I have difficulty placing or finding an equal comparison for, but I know it's a sentiment I've heard before.
The art by Nick Brokenshire is the true standout here, he's so appropriately placed on this book, I found so much joy in the details of the world, from the "Boritos" to just about everything involving Lemmy the golem.
There are some strange narrative leaps that ask a lot out of the audience and the world still could use some clarifying, but it's a really solid start and I can't wait to read the next volume.
December 30, 2016
Amelia Cole is one of the only people in the universe who can cross between the two known worlds. There's the world we're familiar, the one based in science and then there's the magical world where everyone has the ability to use magic. The portal between these worlds resides in her aunt's shop where Amelia and her aunt are able to protect the boundary between the two. One day, Amelia finds herself fighting a Persuasion demon in the scientific world, which raises all kinds of red flags for her and her aunt. As it turns out, there's a breach in the portal and magical beings are slipping through to our world. In an effort to seal off the breach, Amelia's aunt must close the portal for good, a process which kills the aunt and sends Amelia to a world previously unknown to her. This world is a hybrid version of the other two worlds. Magic exists, but only a fraction of the population is endowed with magic. Those that do have magic are severely restricted in its use. Not only is this new world confusing to Amelia, she's stuck there for good. Naturally, she creates a large metal golem to help her fight bad guys, which is sort of a compulsion for her, and replaces her broken wand with a wrench. The authorities in this new world aren't thrilled about this vigilante crime-fighter in their midst, but Amelia can't seem to let old habits die out, no matter where she currently calls home.
Amelia Cole and the Unknown World is a fun read with lots of action sequences and a charming metal golem sidekick, but it feels like there's a lot more to uncover in this new world that Amelia has found herself in. There's very little backstory for our protagonist in this volume, but there are hints that her origins will be played out in more detail in later volumes (I hope, anyway). Overall, a clever and colorful series that just needs a bit more substance to make it truly great. The potential is there; let's hope someone waves a magic wrench and fleshes out the intriguing world(s) presented here.
Amelia Cole and the Unknown World is a fun read with lots of action sequences and a charming metal golem sidekick, but it feels like there's a lot more to uncover in this new world that Amelia has found herself in. There's very little backstory for our protagonist in this volume, but there are hints that her origins will be played out in more detail in later volumes (I hope, anyway). Overall, a clever and colorful series that just needs a bit more substance to make it truly great. The potential is there; let's hope someone waves a magic wrench and fleshes out the intriguing world(s) presented here.
September 17, 2013
I really like what Monkeybrain comics is attempting to do with their publishing line. I've only read Edison Rex and parts of Bandette, and now this, but the feeling I get from their comics are fun, all-ages works that don't talk down to the reader. They are truly ALL-AGES in the same way that the best YA fiction work is.
I had heard a lot about Amelia Cole from various comic book websites and creators who were singing it's praises, so I had to check out the first printed trade. And it WAS fun.
I like strong female protagonists, and Amelia Cole certainly is that, and I like wizardry and fantasy and this has plenty of that too - and it's a simple read, a simple story, with just enough mystery to kind of keep things exciting. Who's good? Who's bad? What does that even mean?
My main issue with the writing is that it kind of has these awkward, amateurish jokes strewn here and there, that make it hard for me to really LOVE Amelia as a character or love the story. Obviously, I'm spoiled by a lot of the books I read and how on point their humor and dialogue is, and MOST writers aren't quite that good - but it really gets kind of annoying at certain points in this one. It's hard to explain, but it just doesn't read smooth. It's like "ok, she's a quippy, spunky female character, lets have her throw some lines out" and sometimes they work, and sometimes they don't. It's like reading old Kirby or something sometimes.
Anyway, mild complain. I like books like this. I loved Chris Roberson's "Memorial" which has a similar vibe, but I think Roberson is a really adept writer. I have no doubt that if this series continues, they'll get a better handle on the writing and storytelling on the whole - as it stands, it's just pretty fun and whimsical - which is a good thing in the comic book marketplace.
I had heard a lot about Amelia Cole from various comic book websites and creators who were singing it's praises, so I had to check out the first printed trade. And it WAS fun.
I like strong female protagonists, and Amelia Cole certainly is that, and I like wizardry and fantasy and this has plenty of that too - and it's a simple read, a simple story, with just enough mystery to kind of keep things exciting. Who's good? Who's bad? What does that even mean?
My main issue with the writing is that it kind of has these awkward, amateurish jokes strewn here and there, that make it hard for me to really LOVE Amelia as a character or love the story. Obviously, I'm spoiled by a lot of the books I read and how on point their humor and dialogue is, and MOST writers aren't quite that good - but it really gets kind of annoying at certain points in this one. It's hard to explain, but it just doesn't read smooth. It's like "ok, she's a quippy, spunky female character, lets have her throw some lines out" and sometimes they work, and sometimes they don't. It's like reading old Kirby or something sometimes.
Anyway, mild complain. I like books like this. I loved Chris Roberson's "Memorial" which has a similar vibe, but I think Roberson is a really adept writer. I have no doubt that if this series continues, they'll get a better handle on the writing and storytelling on the whole - as it stands, it's just pretty fun and whimsical - which is a good thing in the comic book marketplace.
August 9, 2016
I can't recall where I heard about this comic, I wish I could. I do remember that the day it arrived in the mail I saw on iO9 that it was sold out almost immediately upon its print release (Amelia Cole started as a web comic). I decided to move it up on my tar, and read it within a single sitting.
What's to like about this comic? The team of writer, artists, colorist and so on all work together. There is a central vision. Everything flows. They also seem to have confidence in their work. The comic doesn't fall prey to the dreaded info dump within the first few pages. The story is allowed to take its time, the world is unveiled in a cagey manner that doesn't distract, and the characters immediately begin upon their adventures. The team doesn't hand feed us everything, which builds suspense. It also lets the reader enjoy the great one liners, beautiful art, and excellent action sequences.
What's to love about this comic? There is a blend of magic and technology (no it's not a rip off of Harry Potter) creating a compelling Urban Fantasy setting. The female protagonist is relatable for the reader, I find myself instantly rooting for she and her gollum Lemmy! The authors have created a world that cares about a sense of community and morality, but doesn't beat you over the head with it. The values are presented in a sly manner, allowing the reader to ponder the implications of a character's choices, rather than being preachy. Most of all, I love that this comic is accessible to all ages and genders. It's as if they're holding a block party and all are welcome.
A great comic!
What's to like about this comic? The team of writer, artists, colorist and so on all work together. There is a central vision. Everything flows. They also seem to have confidence in their work. The comic doesn't fall prey to the dreaded info dump within the first few pages. The story is allowed to take its time, the world is unveiled in a cagey manner that doesn't distract, and the characters immediately begin upon their adventures. The team doesn't hand feed us everything, which builds suspense. It also lets the reader enjoy the great one liners, beautiful art, and excellent action sequences.
What's to love about this comic? There is a blend of magic and technology (no it's not a rip off of Harry Potter) creating a compelling Urban Fantasy setting. The female protagonist is relatable for the reader, I find myself instantly rooting for she and her gollum Lemmy! The authors have created a world that cares about a sense of community and morality, but doesn't beat you over the head with it. The values are presented in a sly manner, allowing the reader to ponder the implications of a character's choices, rather than being preachy. Most of all, I love that this comic is accessible to all ages and genders. It's as if they're holding a block party and all are welcome.
A great comic!
October 2, 2013
Amelia Cole knows how to use magic. In our world of science, it stands out. In the world of magic, not so much. When she finds herself in a hybrid world of magic and science, she ends up using her powers to help the mundane population that can't, or won't, use magic.
When Amelia is trapped in this new world, she finds herself at odds with the police and a shadowy protector who don't want the citizens using magic. But Amelia can't help herself, and she seems to have stronger powers in this world. She creates a large golem named Lemmy and befriends him.
This was a lot of fun. Amelia Cole is a very likeable heroine, who is always hungry. She takes matters into her own hands, even when it seems like she has no plan. The supporting characters are fun and likeable, from the landlord she works for to the people on the street she befriends. The art also has lots of great background details like flying dragons over skyscrapers, and was that Shaggy of Scooby Doo fame? This looks like it's part of a series, but this books stands completely on it's own. The story took me a few pages to catch up on, but wasn't a problem.
When Amelia is trapped in this new world, she finds herself at odds with the police and a shadowy protector who don't want the citizens using magic. But Amelia can't help herself, and she seems to have stronger powers in this world. She creates a large golem named Lemmy and befriends him.
This was a lot of fun. Amelia Cole is a very likeable heroine, who is always hungry. She takes matters into her own hands, even when it seems like she has no plan. The supporting characters are fun and likeable, from the landlord she works for to the people on the street she befriends. The art also has lots of great background details like flying dragons over skyscrapers, and was that Shaggy of Scooby Doo fame? This looks like it's part of a series, but this books stands completely on it's own. The story took me a few pages to catch up on, but wasn't a problem.
January 6, 2016
Amelia Cole has grown up knowing that there are two worlds; one ruled by magic and the other by technology. But just before Amelia's Aunt Dani dies protecting a portal between the worlds, she reveals that there is a third world, and suddenly Amelia is thrust into it. In this world, magic and technology coexist, but not peacefully. In fact, the first thing Amelia does--trying to use magic to save lives--nearly gets her arrested. Alone in the new world, Amelia must find her way and figure out what strange connection she holds to this place. A lot of setup here; I like the premise, but this volume is a little slow. I expect future ones to be stronger and I'm looking forward to reading more about Amelia.
November 5, 2013
I thought this graphic novel was a great story, that just happen to have some amazing illustrations to go along with it. You still get to know the main character, Amelia, and find that she is quite dimensional. I enjoyed the thought of not just two worlds - a magic and non-magic one - but the possibilities of additional worlds. I really like Lemmy - what a great sidekick! I'm not sure about Amelia becoming the new "protector" and am curious about what happened to the old one. There is much at play behind the scenes with the magistrate. (Typical politician!) I look forward to reading the next in the series.
May 29, 2013
I mostly picked up this graphic novel because the main character is a woman with a wand. It was a fun read set in a compelling and mysterious universe. The main character, Amelia Cole, is mostly motivated by an insatiable need to help victims of crime and catastrophe -- in other words, she's a typical old-school comic book character in many ways. But to the creators' credit, Cole isn't dressed in a mindress and heels, and spends a lot her crimefighting time holding a magic wrench. Although I prefer my comics a bit grittier than this, I plan to read the next Amelia Cole storyline.
October 15, 2014
Amelia has always traveled between the magical and non magical worlds. However, when it looks like her frequent travel has created a rift between the worlds and that the magical world had begun to leak into the non magical one, something must be done. Amelia's beloved aunt takes drastic measures to seal the portals forever, and Amelia finds her way to a third, previously unknown world-that she apparently has a history with. This is a book packed with action, adventure, humor, an intriguing world and great characters-especially the sassy and intrepid Amelia.
October 1, 2015
Amelia has long had the ability to move between a magical world and our non-magical one, but when things start to break down between the two, she ends up in a third, hybrid world that apparently she was born to. It wasn't super awesome, but it was definitely interesting, especially seeing her determined to save people even to her own detriment. I feel like this book was a lot of set up, introducing the worlds and magic and the bad guys pulling the strings, so I suspect vol 2 is going to be stronger. Amelia is a great character, sort of Steve Rogers-y little shit on the side of angels.
November 12, 2016
Super meh. Reminds me of premises from a lot of other fantasy/superhero narratives (Spider-Man, Daughter of Smoke & Bone for the portal crossings), and it doesn't really innovate them in new ways.
Cool lady lead who's not so bad with her wrench-wand, whether she's fixing pipes or fighting baddies, and she's always hungry so I identify.
Poor diverse representation, though. I'd recommend this as a step up for lovers of the AMULET series if it were able to invigorate its vague storyline, but I likely won't pick up the second volume.
Cool lady lead who's not so bad with her wrench-wand, whether she's fixing pipes or fighting baddies, and she's always hungry so I identify.
Poor diverse representation, though. I'd recommend this as a step up for lovers of the AMULET series if it were able to invigorate its vague storyline, but I likely won't pick up the second volume.
November 18, 2015
This is a must read for anyone who's in on the young adult fantasy craze... it's got everything and great art to boot.
Amelia Cole lives with her Aunt in the Magical World, and visits the non-magical to essentially play superhero. She finds that there's a 3rd world, which is where she's actually from, where magic and technology both combine. There's an strong undercurrent of social issues (between magical and non-magical) along with scary secret government types. Highly recommended!
Amelia Cole lives with her Aunt in the Magical World, and visits the non-magical to essentially play superhero. She finds that there's a 3rd world, which is where she's actually from, where magic and technology both combine. There's an strong undercurrent of social issues (between magical and non-magical) along with scary secret government types. Highly recommended!
August 22, 2013
Amelia Cole is interesting person who attracts trouble in whatever dimension she is in. She is congenitally unable to not help folks in trouble. Also, she finds work as a building super using her "magic wrench" to fix heaters, water pipes, etc. Her confrontation with Hector the Protector will only land her in hotter water in the next volume.
July 24, 2013
Fun and quick magical story. If you wish there was a comic with a female protagonist who isn't a princess or an over-inflated glamour model this is it.
Six issues are seamlessly collected in this volume. I like how the protagonist is down-to-earth - she doesn't just use magic to save lives, she fixes the plumbing!
I read an advance review copy from the publisher.
Six issues are seamlessly collected in this volume. I like how the protagonist is down-to-earth - she doesn't just use magic to save lives, she fixes the plumbing!
I read an advance review copy from the publisher.
October 30, 2014
More like 3.5 stars. This comic is fun, and I especially love Lemmy, but this comic also relies excessively on old superhero clichés -- burning buildings, people being mugged under fire escapes, etc. And the worldbuilding seems kind of lazy. I won't be in a great hurry to buy the next volume of this.
March 16, 2015
Interesting story line. The beauty of comics or stories told in a graphic medium, is that a lot of the stories can be told through imagery. I am sorry to say that I gathered no hints from the imagery. Diverse culture, fine. People in dark clothing are sinister. Other than that, I am in the dark about why I should care for Amelia's plight, much less for any of these worlds.
April 2, 2015
I might be biased because my edition is signed and says "Holly is magic," but I loved this! I was told it was sort of a Buffy meets Harry Potter with a touch of Supernatural so if you like any of those things (or all 3 like I do), then you will enjoy this. Amelia Cole is a delightful character and she's got her little Scooby band of misfits, and they're all likeable. Super fun!
November 8, 2013
Just a whole lot of fun. The art works well with the story, giving the entire book a light feel that still has room for a good deal of suspense. And it gets an extra star because the golem is named Lemmy.
January 10, 2015
Realistic characters, intriguing story, and a heroine who's a great role model for girls. Amelia is clearly beautiful, strong, and brave, and manages to be all that without fighting her battles in impossible, ridiculous spandex outfits. Can't wait to read more of this series!
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