Graphic Novel Review: The Last Amazon

The Last Amazon (c) Apotheosis Studios

The Last Amazon is an indie graphic novel from Apotheosis Studios by author Jamison Stone, illustrator David Granjo, and supporting artist Carlos Cardona. Thanks to Kickstarter, friends, and fans, over $21,000 was raised to bring this near future, post-apocalyptic adventure to life. Readers can dive right into the story with realistic, colorful, and detailed graphics. It is a stunning piece of art that tells its story in technology pieces, such as social media posts, chat boxes, and newspaper clippings. You do not have to already be a fan to become one!

The story begins in the not-so-distant future United States, with an online chat between characters Redd and Lex, mixed with imagery of a apocalyptic/dystopian world. Politics, war, mentions of androids, and social media posts tell the story of what has happened in this world to lead to World War III and the state the world is now in. Told through chat messages, social media pages, and newspaper clippings, we learn that the world is in a very sad state. After the war, people are grouping up together to survive, either staying with others to stay safe, or attempting the trip to the last city still around. The first half of the graphic novel you uncover the plot as the character Lex does, learning bits and pieces here and there. In the second half, it felt similar to a movie, where everything goes down and you find how things are tied together.

I thought it was interesting that the social media and politics that were listed in the graphic novel were similar to the times now. You can take it in humor or heed it as a warning to what we may do to our world, as well. I also liked the pop culture references, at least the ones I could say "I understood that reference" to. *cough* Captain America reference *cough* :)

The graphics are very detailed and colorful. Some of the pages have much text to read through, but all of it comes together to explain and setup the plot. There are a few lines that may go over your head if you do not know some basic coding/computer basics, such as the fact that "#ff0000" is the hex color for red - a play on one of the characters names, Redd. There are also references to other languages (besides computer ones), including one referring to a language from the video game Skyrim, but most of these have explanations right after them, so you will not be confused as to the story plot.

I recommend The Last Amazon to those who are into science fiction, politics, and dystopian novels. You will not be disappointed, as much talent went into creating this masterpiece, including help from fandom icons (famous cosplayers modeled the characters). It is interesting to see the transition from their real life photos in Instagram to the characters on the pages. Featured models include:

• Lauren Drain (@laurendrainfit)
• Darth Lexxi (@darthlexii)
• Cheeryl Lawrence (@whoanerdalert)
• Reinessa (@reinessagaming)
• Cynthia Chan (@cynsincosplay)
• Samantha Rubin (@sammyrubin)
• MY (@mj_and_spidey)

The Last Amazon is available in several formats, including digital, hardcover, and special edition hardcover. You can tell much love and work went into creating this graphic novel. I admire the detail and intricacy in the digital copy, and imagine the hard copy to be pretty spectacular. If you are lucky enough to snag a physical copy, the author and artist will both sign your edition! Not to mention that the book itself features an elegant metallic stamp on the front of the book, foil bookplates, and foil book block edging.

Although The Last Amazon was released last November, you can still find a copy on the official website. Keep a lookout for their next graphic novel and video game, Shadow of the Moon, sequel to The Last Amazon!

End of Summer

"I got that summertime, summertime sadness..." Yes, it is that time of the year again - end of summer, beginning of fall, school time, new book time! I have a few books to review and hope to do some reviewing this weekend. :)

Did anyone visit any neat places, maybe with a cool library or bookstore - or two? If you didn't, here are some fun facts that may influence your next travel plans:

• According to Travel and Leisure magazine, the Key West (Florida) is home to two hotels that provide waterproof books for guests to read poolside. The Gates Hotel and 24° North Hotel both have a library filled with classic novels that you can read to your hearts content, whether it be lounging in the sun or splashing around in the pool!
• A library of a different kind, Chicago, Illinois can now boast that it is home to The Chicago Tool Library, a volunteer-run space where area residents can rent out items that are not used all the time, but you may find yourself needing or wanting (i.e. pasta maker, screwdrivers, sewing machine, camera, etc.). The concept is not a novel one, but a good idea that is now spreading. Areas such as Ann Arbor, Michigan and Sacramento, California have such a system integrated into their public library system. We need all libraries to integrate this!
• Indianapolis, Indiana has a new way to promote reading: the Book Bike. The bookshelf on a bike is set up in places where residents (or anyone, really - no library card is needed!) can pick up a free book and get into a good story. Be quick, though, the Book Bike makes visits to events, such as farmers markets, and tends to run out of every book on hand! 
• The Free Library of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has book carts in parks called Libraries in the Park, so that children can read while enjoying the fresh air. I wish my library had something like this when I was little!

Philadelphia Library in the Park (c) Once Upon A Book Blog(ger)

If you cannot get out and about, but still want to be part of something, you should look into helping out the Library of Congress. According to the Smithsonian, the Library of Congress currently has a project where they are transcribing suffragist papers and need your help! How do you go about transcribing? Check out the By the People campaign, where you can read and help type what you can make out in the writings, tag writings (think Facebook), and even help review final transcriptions. You can create an account to always come back to where you last left off. You can be a part of history by helping to promote it!

So what have you bookworms been up to? Tell me something fun you did this summer in the comments! :)