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NewsPrints #2
EndGames
The fight for freedom and truth continues in Ru Xu's thrilling sequel to NewsPrints!
Blue arrives in the capital city of Altalus, where she is determined to find her friend Crow, the boy who was created to be a flying war machine, and Jack, the engineer who built him. But soon she is inadvertently kidnapped by Snow and Red, twins from the enemy side of their ten-year war. They set off on a dangerous adventure that brings them to the front lines of the war, and eventually realize that they must work together to help end it. But with larger, more powerful forces at work, the fight for peace -- and survival -- will be more difficult than they ever imagined.
Blue arrives in the capital city of Altalus, where she is determined to find her friend Crow, the boy who was created to be a flying war machine, and Jack, the engineer who built him. But soon she is inadvertently kidnapped by Snow and Red, twins from the enemy side of their ten-year war. They set off on a dangerous adventure that brings them to the front lines of the war, and eventually realize that they must work together to help end it. But with larger, more powerful forces at work, the fight for peace -- and survival -- will be more difficult than they ever imagined.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2019
22 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Ru Xu
15 books91 followersRu Xu grew up in Indianapolis and received a degree in Sequential Art from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She is the creator of the popular webcomic Saint for Rent, and NewsPrints is her first graphic novel. Her favorite things include historical fiction, fat birds, and coffee-flavored ice cream.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
April 25, 2023
Recommend to me by my 11 yr old daughter, I didn’t know what to expect going into this. It’s a sequel to a first book I hadn’t read and would I be able to keep up? Luckily for me I did. Yeah it was tough at first to keep the names straight when everyone in the book seemed to know one another so well already.
But I’d say it’s a very important story about how important freedom of the press is to a free society. Something both me and my kid saw clearly in the story so it’s working for the target audience as well.
But I’d say it’s a very important story about how important freedom of the press is to a free society. Something both me and my kid saw clearly in the story so it’s working for the target audience as well.
March 16, 2019
I enjoyed this, but not as much as the first one. Particularly toward the middle I found it a little difficult to follow and there weren't always clear cues when a scene was changing. However, I did enjoy the continued world building and the development of the characters overall. I felt like most of the threads were tied up, but the ending felt unfinished - like you were going to find out something and then ... you didn't. It was strange. I love the art and will be watching for more things by Ru Xu for sure.
March 20, 2019
A good lesson in communication over violence.
First, every page has beautiful, colorful, and expressive artwork. I love seeing each panel and the movement inside them.
EndGames is a very lengthy anti-war message along with how the media (newspapers in this case) can be a powerful tool (and a quick reference to a trans-person).
This is all great, but since when is stopping a war this easy??? . Gender roles are also a subtle part of this story because it's expected that boys/men go fight in the war, boys are the only newsboys, and an important part concerning a certain character.
The relationship between Hector and Leo is really sweet. I'm not sure if it's meant to be strictly friendship or romantic, but it added a nice layer to the story. Sometimes, soldiers are just following orders despite their own beliefs.
Anyway, if there's another book, I'll read it. *virtual thumbs up*
First, every page has beautiful, colorful, and expressive artwork. I love seeing each panel and the movement inside them.
EndGames is a very lengthy anti-war message along with how the media (newspapers in this case) can be a powerful tool (and a quick reference to a trans-person).
This is all great, but since when is stopping a war this easy??? . Gender roles are also a subtle part of this story because it's expected that boys/men go fight in the war, boys are the only newsboys, and an important part concerning a certain character.
The relationship between Hector and Leo is really sweet. I'm not sure if it's meant to be strictly friendship or romantic, but it added a nice layer to the story. Sometimes, soldiers are just following orders despite their own beliefs.
Anyway, if there's another book, I'll read it. *virtual thumbs up*
December 8, 2025
What I particularly loved about this graphic novel is that whilst it was clearly a continuation of the first instalment, it was also completely different with an equal mix of entirely new characters and old ones, different themes of war and patriotism, but still the same beautiful art and vibrant colours. This made it all familiarly enjoyable yet refreshing.
Blue is a fantastic protagonist with so much fire and power in her. It seems counterproductive to dock a star for a positive, but it’s because of the strength of the character portrayal of Blue that I felt that the ending was a bit lacklustre and didn’t do justice to the mysteries surrounding her character’s origin. Another instalment is definitely called for, and the large amount of worldbuilding in this graphic novel would be to the great benefit of a third graphic novel in the series.
Blue is a fantastic protagonist with so much fire and power in her. It seems counterproductive to dock a star for a positive, but it’s because of the strength of the character portrayal of Blue that I felt that the ending was a bit lacklustre and didn’t do justice to the mysteries surrounding her character’s origin. Another instalment is definitely called for, and the large amount of worldbuilding in this graphic novel would be to the great benefit of a third graphic novel in the series.
July 7, 2019
Based on that ending, I guess this is just a two-book series. Which is fine. However, I'm kind of disappointed with the quick wrap-up feel that this book has, especially toward the last quarter or so.
Blue is on a quest to find her friend Crow, but the long war is still raging. She teams up with a set of twins and, together with various other allies, they work to put an end to the war.
What I really liked about the first book was the relationship between Blue and Crow. Unfortunately, we don't really see that in this book. They have a little bit of contact, but mostly they're just trying to find each other. Most of the plot in this book is taken up by the war, and for some reason, I found the whole plotline very confusing. I simply couldn't remember which side was which! (I suspect that may be because of Blue; she's from Goswing, but her yellow hair makes her look more like a Grimmaean.) I'm not big on war stories and political maneuvering, so the plot of this installment fell a little bit flat for me.
The world-building is pretty cool in these stories. The Art Deco, 1920s vibe is still there, but it's sort of steampunk-ish as well. There are also plenty of nods to Mother Goose and the Brothers Grimm, so there's a definite fairytale flavour. Diversity and acceptance play a larger role in this story, too, with both a blind character and a trans character.
Some readers may find aspects of certain character arcs a bit disappointing (I know I did), and there are still some unanswered questions. Unfortunately, so many ends are wrapped up here that I don't think there's enough material left for another installment of the story.
I rarely enjoy sequels as much as the first books in series, and NewsPrints and EndGame are no exception. However, taken as a whole, they are still an enjoyable duo of graphic novels with fun world-building and memorable characters.
Blue is on a quest to find her friend Crow, but the long war is still raging. She teams up with a set of twins and, together with various other allies, they work to put an end to the war.
What I really liked about the first book was the relationship between Blue and Crow. Unfortunately, we don't really see that in this book. They have a little bit of contact, but mostly they're just trying to find each other. Most of the plot in this book is taken up by the war, and for some reason, I found the whole plotline very confusing. I simply couldn't remember which side was which! (I suspect that may be because of Blue; she's from Goswing, but her yellow hair makes her look more like a Grimmaean.) I'm not big on war stories and political maneuvering, so the plot of this installment fell a little bit flat for me.
The world-building is pretty cool in these stories. The Art Deco, 1920s vibe is still there, but it's sort of steampunk-ish as well. There are also plenty of nods to Mother Goose and the Brothers Grimm, so there's a definite fairytale flavour. Diversity and acceptance play a larger role in this story, too, with both a blind character and a trans character.
Some readers may find aspects of certain character arcs a bit disappointing (I know I did), and there are still some unanswered questions. Unfortunately, so many ends are wrapped up here that I don't think there's enough material left for another installment of the story.
I rarely enjoy sequels as much as the first books in series, and NewsPrints and EndGame are no exception. However, taken as a whole, they are still an enjoyable duo of graphic novels with fun world-building and memorable characters.
August 17, 2024
This was a great book,but the first is better than the second.
A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review 🤩
A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review 🤩
March 22, 2019
Includes representation of trans characters being accepted, some fun fairytale motifs, but it jumped from scene to scene with a bunch of info dumping and jarring transitions. Unfortunately, I think this is the last installment, thus why such a rushed "ending." I don't recall such a rushed story in the first book, but perhaps my memory is fuzzy.
April 11, 2019
I wish this had been a three-part series as it seemed a bit rushed, trying to cram the end of a war as well as fairy tale motifs. But it managed to discuss war and propaganda, identity and gender, and what it means to be human. Crow seemed left by the wayside, which was unfortunate, but it was nice to see other characters from book one again.
Will definitely look out for more from this author!
Will definitely look out for more from this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2019
Excellent follow up to NewsPrints! And the way the background colors shifted as the plot developed was just GORGEOUS.
February 27, 2021
A good continuation to Newsies that saw the world expand to include many more characters (that were at times confusing to keep track of) and the role that propaganda plays in war and how the right information is enough to sway the masses. I also liked that this volume still dealt with gender roles and even had a transgender character! I wish we had seen more of Crow and their relationship with Blue but the connection was still there.
April 20, 2019
The sequel to NewsPrints begins with Hector and Blue traveling to the capital of Goswing where Corazana Lina wants the war with Grimmaea to end by demanding that they hand over part of their mountain range or she will attack them with a new weapon which is run by her friend Crow. Blue ends up being kidnapped by Snow, a spy for Grimmaea, but Blue tries to convince Snow and her brother Red to help end the war. This adventure story brings home the message that war does more damage than good. I highly recommend to middle grade readers who like fast paced action/adventure graphic novels.
December 4, 2019
Wraps up the storyline begun in Newsprints. Bit of a (discourse-heavy) rush to the finish. Would have loved it if Xu had the luxury of two more volumes to flesh out all these new characters more. (Because they're all so intriguing!)
March 1, 2024
Having two nations and an important capital city start with the same three letters was really confusing. But I loved the message and the art
April 4, 2025
really fun! love blue and co.
September 26, 2022
yes good well wrapped up
September 23, 2020
it was very great the ending was good!!!!!!!!
April 25, 2019
When I read and reviewed Newsprints, the opening chapter about the first girl newsie of the Kingdom of Goswing, I was convinced that the story wasn't over. I kept the faith and was justly rewarded for my patience with this book.
Endgames begins with Blue heading to the capital of Goswing in hopes of finding her mechanical friend Crow. The automaton was secreted away by military scientists intent in turning Crow in a war machine. Blue's search becomes ever more difficult when she is kidnapped by a pair of Grimmaean spies; a pair of twins who are the children of a top diplomat set to negotiate peace with Goswing.
There's two main themes to Endgames: the ethics of war and the question of gender identity and social status. Both are tricky topics to navigate, not just for kids but adults. I think most people can agree that World War II was a just war for America to fight in. But our country was far from perfect in its attempt to save the day. The internment of Japanese Americans was more about race than national security. Especially since the government didn't do the same thing with those of German descent.
Endgames explored such issues as those of Goswing heritage have jet black hair and piercing blue eyes as those from Grimmaea have blonde hair and born as normally as twins. Blue is the product of a Grimmaean father and Goswing mother. Her appearance is an amalgam and it causes many to question where her loyalty lies. Blue is also a female. But since only boys were permitted to be newsies, Blue had to pose as a male. She is not the only character who has a sort of ‘identity crisis’.
One of the Grimmaean spies is named Rose Red. Born a girl, Red identifies as male. Yet, in order to maintain the ruse of being from Goswing, Red and his sister had to dye their hair black. It's at this point in the book that things really get complicated.
Just as Red's blonde tips give away his true heritage, there's so many characters posing as something that they are not. An abundance of spies, a pair of nation's that starts with the same letter and non-sequitur chapter breaks make for a head scratching read. It also doesn't help having random flashbacks peppered in throughout the book. If ever a book could have used a narrator to frame the action, Endgames was the one most in need.
The concept of mistaken identity isn't new in children's literature. The Prince and the Pauper, The Parent Trap and The Princess Diaries all have characters who pose as someone that they are not. But generally, the switching of gender isn't a factor in these type of stories. However in our ever growing genderfluid society, you will see more of it popping up in kids lit.
For the most part, Endgames is very subtle in how it deals with gender. There is one scene that has Blue and Red discussing their reasons on living as the opposite sex of that which they were born. Sexuality is also hinted at as this book explores the friendship of a Goswing reporter and a Grimmaean soldier. Though it's never named specifically, the relationship appears to be that of more than friends.
As with all of my Family Comic Friday reviews, I judge books on it's artistic merits and editorial direction. Age appropriate topics are discussed only to help guide a parent or guardian be more informed on what their children are reading. With Endgames, I think young readers are going to have more questions about the reasons for going to war than about gender identity. However, I think that in trying to navigate some puzzling topics, Ru Xu gets a little lost and confused with the multiple plot-lines.
While nobody dies in the book, there's a lot of fighting. The level of debate on war is about equal to 10 episodes of MASH. Endgames is listed as being for readers aged 8 and up. But such philosophy can be too complex for some. I think someone around the age of 10 or 11 would best enjoy Blue's story and grasp the concept of whether or not to go to war.
Endgames is supposed to be the end of Blue and Crow's story. I rather hope that's not the case. However, if there is to be a third book, I do hope Ru Xu can avoid some of those more confusing elements. There's nothing wrong with informing the reader of a pending flashback.
Blue has seen enough of war. Let her solve a mystery in a far off land. Being in the news industry, Blue has a chance to see her world much like Herge's Tintin. Xu mentions several new lands to be explored. I for one would like to see the Newsprints universe more fleshed out. Everything just seems ripe for Blue's plucking should Run Xu continue the narrative.
Adventure awaits...
Endgames begins with Blue heading to the capital of Goswing in hopes of finding her mechanical friend Crow. The automaton was secreted away by military scientists intent in turning Crow in a war machine. Blue's search becomes ever more difficult when she is kidnapped by a pair of Grimmaean spies; a pair of twins who are the children of a top diplomat set to negotiate peace with Goswing.
There's two main themes to Endgames: the ethics of war and the question of gender identity and social status. Both are tricky topics to navigate, not just for kids but adults. I think most people can agree that World War II was a just war for America to fight in. But our country was far from perfect in its attempt to save the day. The internment of Japanese Americans was more about race than national security. Especially since the government didn't do the same thing with those of German descent.
Endgames explored such issues as those of Goswing heritage have jet black hair and piercing blue eyes as those from Grimmaea have blonde hair and born as normally as twins. Blue is the product of a Grimmaean father and Goswing mother. Her appearance is an amalgam and it causes many to question where her loyalty lies. Blue is also a female. But since only boys were permitted to be newsies, Blue had to pose as a male. She is not the only character who has a sort of ‘identity crisis’.
One of the Grimmaean spies is named Rose Red. Born a girl, Red identifies as male. Yet, in order to maintain the ruse of being from Goswing, Red and his sister had to dye their hair black. It's at this point in the book that things really get complicated.
Just as Red's blonde tips give away his true heritage, there's so many characters posing as something that they are not. An abundance of spies, a pair of nation's that starts with the same letter and non-sequitur chapter breaks make for a head scratching read. It also doesn't help having random flashbacks peppered in throughout the book. If ever a book could have used a narrator to frame the action, Endgames was the one most in need.
The concept of mistaken identity isn't new in children's literature. The Prince and the Pauper, The Parent Trap and The Princess Diaries all have characters who pose as someone that they are not. But generally, the switching of gender isn't a factor in these type of stories. However in our ever growing genderfluid society, you will see more of it popping up in kids lit.
For the most part, Endgames is very subtle in how it deals with gender. There is one scene that has Blue and Red discussing their reasons on living as the opposite sex of that which they were born. Sexuality is also hinted at as this book explores the friendship of a Goswing reporter and a Grimmaean soldier. Though it's never named specifically, the relationship appears to be that of more than friends.
As with all of my Family Comic Friday reviews, I judge books on it's artistic merits and editorial direction. Age appropriate topics are discussed only to help guide a parent or guardian be more informed on what their children are reading. With Endgames, I think young readers are going to have more questions about the reasons for going to war than about gender identity. However, I think that in trying to navigate some puzzling topics, Ru Xu gets a little lost and confused with the multiple plot-lines.
While nobody dies in the book, there's a lot of fighting. The level of debate on war is about equal to 10 episodes of MASH. Endgames is listed as being for readers aged 8 and up. But such philosophy can be too complex for some. I think someone around the age of 10 or 11 would best enjoy Blue's story and grasp the concept of whether or not to go to war.
Endgames is supposed to be the end of Blue and Crow's story. I rather hope that's not the case. However, if there is to be a third book, I do hope Ru Xu can avoid some of those more confusing elements. There's nothing wrong with informing the reader of a pending flashback.
Blue has seen enough of war. Let her solve a mystery in a far off land. Being in the news industry, Blue has a chance to see her world much like Herge's Tintin. Xu mentions several new lands to be explored. I for one would like to see the Newsprints universe more fleshed out. Everything just seems ripe for Blue's plucking should Run Xu continue the narrative.
Adventure awaits...
April 29, 2019
I liked it. Great art and interesting world building. Some quality trans rep too. A bit abrupt on the resolution but the message rings true.
June 26, 2019
Endgames, as a follow-up to NewsPrints, is a perfectly acceptable sequel, offering more fast-paced action for Blue and her comrades. It's also similarly heavy-handed thematically: backroom politics, the idea that war is hell, and the power of journalism are all pounded into the turf. You can't turn the page without a character making some sort of proclamation like "The people need to read about this!" or "You're sending those boys straight to their graves!" They're all true statements, but over time grow tedious.
At least Endgames is a bit more coherent plotwise than its predecessor. A new queen is on the Goswing throne and she aims to end the war - any way possible! Somehow, Blue, Hector, and a host of other familiar faces get caught up in the action and do their best to stop the war before the opposing armies needlessly destroy each other. Blue gets to fly around in a cute little plane; Hector gets to have a cute romance with a Grimmean soldier; Crow is somewhat forgotten. Ru Xu rarely lets the story breathe, keeping her foot on the gas, but her art is even better than before.
At least Endgames is a bit more coherent plotwise than its predecessor. A new queen is on the Goswing throne and she aims to end the war - any way possible! Somehow, Blue, Hector, and a host of other familiar faces get caught up in the action and do their best to stop the war before the opposing armies needlessly destroy each other. Blue gets to fly around in a cute little plane; Hector gets to have a cute romance with a Grimmean soldier; Crow is somewhat forgotten. Ru Xu rarely lets the story breathe, keeping her foot on the gas, but her art is even better than before.
May 15, 2020
While I still love Blue and was engaged by the story, I have to say that this graphic novel felt like two or three books worth of material squeezed into a single volume. For me, that meant that big emotional payoff moments just didn't pack the punch they might have. Too much happened too fast for me to fully invest.
This was a story of children versus governments and the children won so easily that my suspension of disbelief was jolted. I enjoyed the Easter Egg feeling of recognizing real historical events inspiring moments in the book, and there was some cute character connection moments, especially surrounding gender issues.
But in the end, this one fell flat for me. It needed more space to tell the story properly and this truncated version was not as satisfying as it could have been.
This was a story of children versus governments and the children won so easily that my suspension of disbelief was jolted. I enjoyed the Easter Egg feeling of recognizing real historical events inspiring moments in the book, and there was some cute character connection moments, especially surrounding gender issues.
But in the end, this one fell flat for me. It needed more space to tell the story properly and this truncated version was not as satisfying as it could have been.
January 30, 2019
Do not recommend.
This is such a poor follow up to the previous book. Too many new characters, switching too fast so you can't keep track of who and what and where. New characters that seem to be there as means of inserting an agenda (Red who's transgender instead of just dressing like a boy like Blue; transgender so ""he"" can fight in a war). The author writes that this is about dealing with gender roles and how they hurt people but she sticks to rather strict gender roles and expectations rather than truly dealing with or even breaking them.
This is such a poor follow up to the previous book. Too many new characters, switching too fast so you can't keep track of who and what and where. New characters that seem to be there as means of inserting an agenda (Red who's transgender instead of just dressing like a boy like Blue; transgender so ""he"" can fight in a war). The author writes that this is about dealing with gender roles and how they hurt people but she sticks to rather strict gender roles and expectations rather than truly dealing with or even breaking them.
October 27, 2021
Not sure what I expected from the Newsprints sequel...but I don't think I'm really surprised.
A lot more characters were introduced in this book, including the twins, Leo, the kings, the queen, etcetera. With the exception of Leo, I'm pretty lukewarm on most of the cast. Blue, despite being the protagonist, took a backseat for much of the story until the climax. The POVs jumped a lot, so it was hard to say who's plotline was most important.
The main issue I had with the first book came back with a fury in this sequel. The pacing was break-neck and I had no idea what was going until it had already happened, five pages ago. There were no chapter breaks, only markers indicating the location and how much time had passed. There weren't nearly enough spreads that gave you a moment to breathe and live in the environment. There was certainly an attempt, albeit they turned out unsuccessful.
I had really wanted to read this book for Crow, who was my favorite character in the last book. However, the way he was presented as this "floating" head with arms and a brain controlling all the flying machines...it didn't do him any favors. This book has a very odd mix of futuristic Matrix-looking technology, fantastical setting, and 19th century machines. I don't feel it was as natural as the last book.
This war that they keep on insisting is a big deal never felt relevant. It just happened to be the big event the characters revolved around. Yes, we learn about the people each character has lost to the war, and we see a few soldiers but that's it? There were no shots of any armies, and it focused on the same troop of 7-10 Grimmean soldiers, making it feel like a petty battle instead of a decade-long war.
Aside from the pacing and conflict, I just didn't find the characters nearly as likeable. Snow is irritating, Red pushes an agenda I don't like reading about and the Jacks have no personality (aside from Jack Horner, who just seemed whiny). The Queen was pretty cool and it was nice seeing someone both around my age and with a disability ruling her country. Sorry to say this, but Jill felt like even more of a pawn than she did in the last book and her friendship with Jack Nimble was nonexistent.
Blue wasn't as involved so even though we're familiar with her morals and personality, it was harder to connect with her cause. Plus, she's 13, max. It's super hard for me to believe she and the Grimmean twins would sway all the adults around them in such an authoritative and persuasive manner. At least the twins are nobles, Blue just happens to be in the right place at the right time by sheer convenience.
The world building and characteristics for the Grimmeans was hard to follow. They're blonde and have dark eyes. They're all twins. They're all short (???) and they have control of this landmine that powers 35% of the world, apparently. Even knowing all this, I had a hard time telling which characters were Grimmean or Goswish.
My favorite part of the book was the surprising relationship between Hector and his Grimmean friend and war captain, Leo. Leo is (in-story, it seems) charismatic and supportive of Hector when nearly no one else is. Hector in turn pushes Leo to stop fighting a pointless (and not to mention boring) war because he wants to, I don't know, keep him around. They have this scene during the climax where Leo cries because Hector cries and Leo dabs away the tears for Hector and I just thought "oh, these lovable idiots". We see at the end of the story that they're still together after a year, which I thought was super sweet. Too bad Leo was only around for the one book, since he was undoubtedly the best part of this sequel.
Also
I think when it comes down to it, I cared more about the characters than the story. It was incredibly difficult to get invested in the war because I knew the characters would all be fine by the end of it. The final resolution came by a little too easily and I had no idea where the author was going with the plot of Blue trying to find her mom.
Still, it was a nice quick read and I'm glad I got to know where these lovely characters ended up.
A lot more characters were introduced in this book, including the twins, Leo, the kings, the queen, etcetera. With the exception of Leo, I'm pretty lukewarm on most of the cast. Blue, despite being the protagonist, took a backseat for much of the story until the climax. The POVs jumped a lot, so it was hard to say who's plotline was most important.
The main issue I had with the first book came back with a fury in this sequel. The pacing was break-neck and I had no idea what was going until it had already happened, five pages ago. There were no chapter breaks, only markers indicating the location and how much time had passed. There weren't nearly enough spreads that gave you a moment to breathe and live in the environment. There was certainly an attempt, albeit they turned out unsuccessful.
I had really wanted to read this book for Crow, who was my favorite character in the last book. However, the way he was presented as this "floating" head with arms and a brain controlling all the flying machines...it didn't do him any favors. This book has a very odd mix of futuristic Matrix-looking technology, fantastical setting, and 19th century machines. I don't feel it was as natural as the last book.
This war that they keep on insisting is a big deal never felt relevant. It just happened to be the big event the characters revolved around. Yes, we learn about the people each character has lost to the war, and we see a few soldiers but that's it? There were no shots of any armies, and it focused on the same troop of 7-10 Grimmean soldiers, making it feel like a petty battle instead of a decade-long war.
Aside from the pacing and conflict, I just didn't find the characters nearly as likeable. Snow is irritating, Red pushes an agenda I don't like reading about and the Jacks have no personality (aside from Jack Horner, who just seemed whiny). The Queen was pretty cool and it was nice seeing someone both around my age and with a disability ruling her country. Sorry to say this, but Jill felt like even more of a pawn than she did in the last book and her friendship with Jack Nimble was nonexistent.
Blue wasn't as involved so even though we're familiar with her morals and personality, it was harder to connect with her cause. Plus, she's 13, max. It's super hard for me to believe she and the Grimmean twins would sway all the adults around them in such an authoritative and persuasive manner. At least the twins are nobles, Blue just happens to be in the right place at the right time by sheer convenience.
The world building and characteristics for the Grimmeans was hard to follow. They're blonde and have dark eyes. They're all twins. They're all short (???) and they have control of this landmine that powers 35% of the world, apparently. Even knowing all this, I had a hard time telling which characters were Grimmean or Goswish.
My favorite part of the book was the surprising relationship between Hector and his Grimmean friend and war captain, Leo. Leo is (in-story, it seems) charismatic and supportive of Hector when nearly no one else is. Hector in turn pushes Leo to stop fighting a pointless (and not to mention boring) war because he wants to, I don't know, keep him around. They have this scene during the climax where Leo cries because Hector cries and Leo dabs away the tears for Hector and I just thought "oh, these lovable idiots". We see at the end of the story that they're still together after a year, which I thought was super sweet. Too bad Leo was only around for the one book, since he was undoubtedly the best part of this sequel.
Also
I think when it comes down to it, I cared more about the characters than the story. It was incredibly difficult to get invested in the war because I knew the characters would all be fine by the end of it. The final resolution came by a little too easily and I had no idea where the author was going with the plot of Blue trying to find her mom.
Still, it was a nice quick read and I'm glad I got to know where these lovely characters ended up.
September 30, 2019
Blue is working to find freedom for her friend Crow. But he's very much a part of the ongoing war between Goswing and Grimmaea. And it is hard for Blue to get anyone to listen to her because she is obviously half Grimmaean. Her friend, Hector, the journalist is trying to help her, but no one wants to listen to the truth in the stories he writes. Furthermore, the age of the draft was just lowered so now Hector is feeling pressured to enlist, even though he's just 17. Can Blue and Hector get anyone to listen to reason when the whole world seems to have gone mad?
If you haven't read NewsPrints then just put this book down and go do that. You probably won't understand half of what's going on without reading the first book. This does nicely wrap up the hanging loose ends from book one, though it is a rough road getting there. There's a pointed look at the way pride and greed at the highest levels can fuel conflicts in this book, and how many innocent people get caught in the fallout from that pride and greed. I liked the way the book handled this. The book also has some stuff to say on racial profiling and gender roles too, and why governments suppress the press during times of conflict. (In this one, they especially emphasize how it would be horrible to put a human, sympathetic face on the enemy.) It started to feel like the book almost had too many things it wanted to comment on. Maybe it would have been better to just stick with the war issues. I wish that the blind queen was a better person. It is so rare to see blind characters in books. Overall, it was ok but it did feel a little preachy. Those who enjoyed the first book and steampunk fans will probably be eager to get their hands on this.
Notes on content: No language issues. One character talks about choosing a gender. War violence (though it is mostly machines blowing up, human wounds are hidden or implied but not shown). Racial prejudice.
If you haven't read NewsPrints then just put this book down and go do that. You probably won't understand half of what's going on without reading the first book. This does nicely wrap up the hanging loose ends from book one, though it is a rough road getting there. There's a pointed look at the way pride and greed at the highest levels can fuel conflicts in this book, and how many innocent people get caught in the fallout from that pride and greed. I liked the way the book handled this. The book also has some stuff to say on racial profiling and gender roles too, and why governments suppress the press during times of conflict. (In this one, they especially emphasize how it would be horrible to put a human, sympathetic face on the enemy.) It started to feel like the book almost had too many things it wanted to comment on. Maybe it would have been better to just stick with the war issues. I wish that the blind queen was a better person. It is so rare to see blind characters in books. Overall, it was ok but it did feel a little preachy. Those who enjoyed the first book and steampunk fans will probably be eager to get their hands on this.
Notes on content: No language issues. One character talks about choosing a gender. War violence (though it is mostly machines blowing up, human wounds are hidden or implied but not shown). Racial prejudice.
January 11, 2020
3+ rounded up to 4. I didn't like this one quite as much as book 1, NewsPrints, but it was still a really enjoyable read.
Like the first one, I love the artwork. 1920s steampunk, if that's a thing? The characters are clear and expressive, and the pictures overall are colorful and richly detailed. And I love Crow's character design. We always need more of him.
There were several messages running through this one as themes. The issue gender roles was still there - for example, who goes to war and who doesn't (the same way the newsboy question ran through the first book). Plus there were some lgbtq themes - a trans character played a major role, and two adult males have a friendship which may or may not be more. The big theme was about communication over violence, all about ending the war. A bit heavy-handed in my opinion, but not to the point that I gave up the story either.
Book 2 in a 2 book series (I'm guessing?). While there are probably more stories to be told in this world, the ending did seem pretty final, and a bit rushed in order to get it all in. Adjusting the pacing would probably have pushed this to 4 solid stars, though it might have needed a 3rd book to really do the story justice (am I being greedy then?)
Overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to my graphic novel readers, especially those looking for a good adventure story. A bit of a heavy-handed message and an ending that was a touch rushed are downsides, but the great world building and artwork make up for it. Worth the read.
Like the first one, I love the artwork. 1920s steampunk, if that's a thing? The characters are clear and expressive, and the pictures overall are colorful and richly detailed. And I love Crow's character design. We always need more of him.
There were several messages running through this one as themes. The issue gender roles was still there - for example, who goes to war and who doesn't (the same way the newsboy question ran through the first book). Plus there were some lgbtq themes - a trans character played a major role, and two adult males have a friendship which may or may not be more. The big theme was about communication over violence, all about ending the war. A bit heavy-handed in my opinion, but not to the point that I gave up the story either.
Book 2 in a 2 book series (I'm guessing?). While there are probably more stories to be told in this world, the ending did seem pretty final, and a bit rushed in order to get it all in. Adjusting the pacing would probably have pushed this to 4 solid stars, though it might have needed a 3rd book to really do the story justice (am I being greedy then?)
Overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to my graphic novel readers, especially those looking for a good adventure story. A bit of a heavy-handed message and an ending that was a touch rushed are downsides, but the great world building and artwork make up for it. Worth the read.
June 16, 2019
Ten years of conflict have raged between Grimmaea and Goswing, and Blue is determined to find her friend Crow whose entire reason for existing is to serve as a flying war machine, something he's reluctant to do. This follow-up to NewsPrints features many of the characters from that book while introducing some new ones. There's a new queen, a seventeen-year-old girl whose advisors are known as the Four Jacks. Hector is determined to report the truth about the war and all the bloodshed, and Blue is thwarted in her efforts to find out about her mother and Crow when she's kidnapped by two twins. The pace is fast and furious, and the characters are interesting in their own right, but I have to confess that some of the transitions from one scene to the next or one place to another were confusing to me, and forced me to go back and reread a couple of panels. I wish there had been more from Crow and that real world wars were as easy to end as this one. Perhaps the author's contention that it is the next generation that will resolve these conflicts in new ways will turn out to be right. As noted in the story line and in the note from the author, this graphic novel explores gender expectations and gender stereotypes, and it does so with charm and grace. Her theme is revealed well in her dedication note at the front, giving readers much food for thought: "For the people we could have been, had we not chosen to be who we are." Yeah! I'm still thinking about that.
March 7, 2022
Tensions are about to (literally) erupt between the Grimmaea forces and the Goswing forces. Is it too late for Blue and her allies to broker peace between their brothers and sisters abroad?
Xu's "NewsPrints" series entrains readers, but also cause them to think. It is not always the easiest of pairs to balance, especially in juvenile graphic novels, but she did an exceptional job in both volumes. One minute readers are taken in by the colors, textures, humor, and landscape of the various scenes within each cell, and the next they find themselves reflecting on timeless and contemporary topics that these shades and tones depict. This "roller coaster ride" of thoughts and feelings is much appreciated.
These images, and even the inquires of the characters themselves, would offer fantastic material for a post-read discussion: "If The Christmas Truce of 1914 was able to change the minds of many for one day, why are we still at odds with fellow man/women kind around the world"? "Have you had to prove to an adult that you are _____, when they believe you are not"? "Why do you think birds were mentioned so much throughout the series? What do they symbolize"? The possibilities are endless.
I am looking forward to including this series either directly in, or associated with, my upcoming Graphic Novel Book Club for tweens. If you are the least bit curious about reading and discussing this GN with others I would say "go for it"!
Xu's "NewsPrints" series entrains readers, but also cause them to think. It is not always the easiest of pairs to balance, especially in juvenile graphic novels, but she did an exceptional job in both volumes. One minute readers are taken in by the colors, textures, humor, and landscape of the various scenes within each cell, and the next they find themselves reflecting on timeless and contemporary topics that these shades and tones depict. This "roller coaster ride" of thoughts and feelings is much appreciated.
These images, and even the inquires of the characters themselves, would offer fantastic material for a post-read discussion: "If The Christmas Truce of 1914 was able to change the minds of many for one day, why are we still at odds with fellow man/women kind around the world"? "Have you had to prove to an adult that you are _____, when they believe you are not"? "Why do you think birds were mentioned so much throughout the series? What do they symbolize"? The possibilities are endless.
I am looking forward to including this series either directly in, or associated with, my upcoming Graphic Novel Book Club for tweens. If you are the least bit curious about reading and discussing this GN with others I would say "go for it"!
January 20, 2020
What I was hoping with the story in the sequel did happen as Blue is put directly into the front lines in this one. Long gone is the "We're fine, the war is happening over there" mentality of the first book. The characters and plot are darker. The war wears down on everyone in this book. We finally get to catch up with what happened to poor Jack as he's forced to work for the Queen again. We get to see the kind of terrible war machine Crow has become. And we get to see the other side and how people really dont want to fight. It really does feel like a follow up to the first one as the stakes are higher and more of the characters evolve due to their placement in the war.
My biggest issue with this is the ending was rushed. It felt like this book should have had a sequel. Within a few pages, the war is finished, everyone is happy. It doesn't make sense. It was building up to some grand war and then it just... stops. People are just "fixed". Plot points are left open. People just go their separate ways.
While I enjoyed the book for the most part, that ending is what made me knock it down a star. I wish the story was allowed to continue onto a sequel instead of just hitting a brick wall.
My biggest issue with this is the ending was rushed. It felt like this book should have had a sequel. Within a few pages, the war is finished, everyone is happy. It doesn't make sense. It was building up to some grand war and then it just... stops. People are just "fixed". Plot points are left open. People just go their separate ways.
While I enjoyed the book for the most part, that ending is what made me knock it down a star. I wish the story was allowed to continue onto a sequel instead of just hitting a brick wall.
May 8, 2019
This is the second book in the NewsPrints graphic novel series. I enjoyed NewsPrints and was surprised when I saw the follow up had finally been released. This is a good continuation of the first book and does and awesome job of wrapping up the story.
Blue is a fun character and we meet some new and interesting characters in this story as well. I love the world here and illustration is really well done too. The story (writing and drawing) are both easy to follow.
I am not huge on reading about war and politics, so I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first one. NewsPrints dealt a lot with Blue and the inventor Jack, this book deals more with politics between the two countries that are at war and the war machines being built on each side of the war.
Overall this is a good ending to the NewsPrints series. This was a well done graphic novel with good characters, an interesting world, and beautiful easy-to-follow illustrations. My 12 year old son and I both enjoyed this series.
Blue is a fun character and we meet some new and interesting characters in this story as well. I love the world here and illustration is really well done too. The story (writing and drawing) are both easy to follow.
I am not huge on reading about war and politics, so I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first one. NewsPrints dealt a lot with Blue and the inventor Jack, this book deals more with politics between the two countries that are at war and the war machines being built on each side of the war.
Overall this is a good ending to the NewsPrints series. This was a well done graphic novel with good characters, an interesting world, and beautiful easy-to-follow illustrations. My 12 year old son and I both enjoyed this series.
May 7, 2021
There's so much going on here, just like NewsPrints. This book is about Feminisim & and being true to yourself (LGBTQ+). It's about the integrity of the news & it's anti-war. The ideas are a little simply put, especially the peace (easily won) at the end (...it is a YA graphic novel), but I did appreciate the story & the new characters who were introduced in this volume. Yes, this was a series book (the sequel to NewsPrints), but it also held its own as its own book EndGames.
4 stars for the great art & the fun story.
Plus, I thought the "fairy tale"-like aspects that came up in this book were interesting. (e.x. the twins of Grimmea, Rose Red & Snow White, Lavender Blue & all the Jacks.) And I also loved the nod to the Christmas Truce from WWI.
4 stars for the great art & the fun story.
Plus, I thought the "fairy tale"-like aspects that came up in this book were interesting. (e.x. the twins of Grimmea, Rose Red & Snow White, Lavender Blue & all the Jacks.) And I also loved the nod to the Christmas Truce from WWI.
May 25, 2021
I’ve read Ru Xu’s webcomic “Saints for Rent” for quite a few years now so I was super happy to find out about “NewsPrints” and “EndGames” The colors, setting, and characters designs are gorgeous. I admire Ru Xu’s work a lot as a fellow comic artist. It’s so beautiful in fact that on various occasions I found myself just staring at a page for after having read it.
I loved “NewsPrints”, but I think the sequel was a bit hard to follow at times in terms of storyline. I kept having to go back and double check names and places. Also, I felt that the ending was a bit rushed.
On another note, there were a lot of new characters, which kinda led to less “screentime” for some of the already established characters (I wanted to see more of Crow...). This was both good and bad though, because I appreciated the conversations and topics that these new characters brought with them.
I loved “NewsPrints”, but I think the sequel was a bit hard to follow at times in terms of storyline. I kept having to go back and double check names and places. Also, I felt that the ending was a bit rushed.
On another note, there were a lot of new characters, which kinda led to less “screentime” for some of the already established characters (I wanted to see more of Crow...). This was both good and bad though, because I appreciated the conversations and topics that these new characters brought with them.
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