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5 shots
5 Shots. A graphic novel about death... crime ... deception ... and a mind reader caught in the middle. Jay Nova is a private eye. That's what the business cards say. More than that, she's the right person to call at the wrong time. Armed with a tough demeanor and hidden mind reading abilities she goes where others won't to do what they can't ... if the money's right. But when jobs get nastier ,and clients with things to hide have cause to want her dead, she'll need more than her semi-automatic and good aim to make it through. 5 Shots - crime drama in the dime pulp tradition - shows a place where violence isn't the best answer ... just the only one.
100 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2007
111 people want to read
About the author
Jemir Robert Johnson
6 books23 followersJemir Johnson is a hardened thief. Well, not really. But whenever there’s a free moment to steal he does so to read the fantasy, drama, humor and crime fiction of other talents and create some of his own. A graduate of Iona College with a B.A in English he has written for several crime and science fantasy anthologies. The publications he contributed to include: “Double Danger Tales”, “Legacy: Uprising”, “Foreshadow” and “Foreshadow: Full Speed”. Recently, he finished 5 Shots: a graphic novel collection he authored with five stories (hence the title) focused on the case files of a female private eye named Jay Nova who – off the books – helps desperate people resolve "situations" they can’t, or won’t, go to the law with. With a strong African-American female lead in mind reader Jay Nova- Jemir looks to add dimension and sci fi twists to urban mystery/crime genres.
His great appreciation for comic books and crime fiction is to thank/blame for his pursuit as a writer and graphic novelist :-)
His great appreciation for comic books and crime fiction is to thank/blame for his pursuit as a writer and graphic novelist :-)
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 18, 2015
Title: 5 Shots
Author: Jemir Robert Johnson
Series: Jay Novo #1 (a sequel, Blind Corners, has been out for two years)
Genre: Graphic novel, short pieces. It's kind of a graphic novel anthology about Jay Novo. Beyond that the genre is a little hard to describe - the protagonist can read minds at close range, but otherwise it's kind of an urban thriller.
Setting: An unnamed city in the US. It could be Detroit, could be somewhere in Jersey, I don't think I can say for sure.
Reason for Reading: 50 book project #46. Can you believe it??
Relevance to the Project: I had tried reading Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah but had a hard time finishing it. This was a smaller dose of urban lit, in a comfortable (to me!) graphic novel format.
I want to note that I had to buy this book in order to read it. It can be rather difficult to find books for this project at the library - even a big city library like Boston's. I also noticed some spelling mistakes - it can be really hard for writers outside the mainstream, which includes a lot of authors of color, to get quality proofreading services - which is NOT their fault. This is also an issue with LGBT publishing.
Finished In: Hours
Pages: 100
Copyright Date: 2008
Cover: A bright red background, with bullet holes and police tape in the foreground.
The art: Black and white, mostly lines, very gritty.
Favorite quote: "We ride for you. For life."
Themes and Triggers: Violence, betrayal, private investigations, telepathy.
Best part: I enjoyed the easy relationship between Jay and her partner Randy.
Worst part: The book seems to be set in sort of a generic Everycity. I actually prefer it when an author makes up their own fictional city or uses the flavor of a real one.
Imaginary Theme Song: The only music mentioned here is Eminem, though not in flattering terms - he is mildly anonymized (no doubt for copyright reasons) and portrayed as the client in "The Knight In Question," which seems to be a retelling of the death of rapper Proof.
Grade: B. Interesting book and I'm glad I read it but I don't think I'll be re-reading.
Recommended for: Anyone looking for an urban/graphic novel crossover could do a lot worse.
Related Reads: Watson and Holmes - A Study In Black
by Karl Bollers and Rick Leonardi has similar themes and characters. Hothead Paisan by Diane DiMassa has similar art.
Author: Jemir Robert Johnson
Series: Jay Novo #1 (a sequel, Blind Corners, has been out for two years)
Genre: Graphic novel, short pieces. It's kind of a graphic novel anthology about Jay Novo. Beyond that the genre is a little hard to describe - the protagonist can read minds at close range, but otherwise it's kind of an urban thriller.
Setting: An unnamed city in the US. It could be Detroit, could be somewhere in Jersey, I don't think I can say for sure.
Reason for Reading: 50 book project #46. Can you believe it??
Relevance to the Project: I had tried reading Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah but had a hard time finishing it. This was a smaller dose of urban lit, in a comfortable (to me!) graphic novel format.
I want to note that I had to buy this book in order to read it. It can be rather difficult to find books for this project at the library - even a big city library like Boston's. I also noticed some spelling mistakes - it can be really hard for writers outside the mainstream, which includes a lot of authors of color, to get quality proofreading services - which is NOT their fault. This is also an issue with LGBT publishing.
Finished In: Hours
Pages: 100
Copyright Date: 2008
Cover: A bright red background, with bullet holes and police tape in the foreground.
The art: Black and white, mostly lines, very gritty.
Favorite quote: "We ride for you. For life."
Themes and Triggers: Violence, betrayal, private investigations, telepathy.
Best part: I enjoyed the easy relationship between Jay and her partner Randy.
Worst part: The book seems to be set in sort of a generic Everycity. I actually prefer it when an author makes up their own fictional city or uses the flavor of a real one.
Imaginary Theme Song: The only music mentioned here is Eminem, though not in flattering terms - he is mildly anonymized (no doubt for copyright reasons) and portrayed as the client in "The Knight In Question," which seems to be a retelling of the death of rapper Proof.
Grade: B. Interesting book and I'm glad I read it but I don't think I'll be re-reading.
Recommended for: Anyone looking for an urban/graphic novel crossover could do a lot worse.
Related Reads: Watson and Holmes - A Study In Black
by Karl Bollers and Rick Leonardi has similar themes and characters. Hothead Paisan by Diane DiMassa has similar art.
Displaying 1 of 1 review