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Blackbird #1-6
Blackbird
Nina Rodriguez knows a hidden magical world run by ruthless cabals is hiding in Los Angeles. When a giant magic beast kidnaps her sister, Nina must confront her past (and her demons) to get her sister back and reclaim her life. Don't miss the first collection of the smash-hit neo-noir fantasy series from fan-favorite writer SAM HUMPHRIES (Harley Quinn, Nightwing) and red-hot artist JEN BARTEL (Mighty Thor)!
Collects BLACKBIRD #1-6
Collects BLACKBIRD #1-6
168 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2019
41 people are currently reading
5435 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 913 reviews
June 30, 2019
I’m going to add some of the art from the book because I appreciate when others do that as well. It takes a good amount of time for me to do this so I hope y’all can appreciate that I’m doing it for y’all and can like it for what it is, not for any boring ole line I can try to flesh out. Love to y’all!
The story is bit odd but I want to continue. Art is fantastic!
Commence with some pics!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
The story is bit odd but I want to continue. Art is fantastic!
Commence with some pics!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
September 28, 2019
Well that sucked.
The Art
The art was good…sometimes. Usually, it was painfully awkward and had that certain quality so common in Western comics and graphic novels: what I call “rushed by a deft hand.” The artist was good, undeniably so, but they were also very clearly rushed, or just didn’t care about their art enough to make it look any good.
The spectacle shots were all beautiful but the regular panels and character designs looked just really strange, at least in my opinion. Facial expressions didn’t match logical emotions for the scene, physical stances often looked uncomfortable, and character designs themselves didn’t really give any insight into the characters themselves (which was weird because clothing choice was kind of a theme in this). Essentially, think bad animation from the 90s, but with a 2020 makeover.
Pretty color palette, though. I’ll give ’em that.
The Story
I don’t know what I expected when I heard “neo-noir fantasy,” but whatever it was, this wasn’t it. I guess its comparison to Riverdale is accurate though, because this was flashy, overly dramatic, and made absolutely no sense.
The world could have been really cool, but instead it was generic. There were some really cool elements, but they were mostly background and when they did come into play, I had literally no idea what was happening. The magic system was very poorly explained.
The entire conflict of the story was so beyond convoluted, and so drenched in spoilers that I can’t even complain about what I hated without telling you the entire plot. So I’ll just give you this gif to explain the plot:
The MC is the dumbest Mary Sue I’ve ever encountered. She hears a lot of evidence that the people she trusts are actually 1) not who she thinks they are, 2) lying about everything, and 3) not looking out for her best interests. And yet she still trusts them?? And forgets about all the information she knows about them because ~their aura was telling the truth~? And to make it worse, she knows that her spooky cat only speaks in lies and then when it’s telling her that she failed, she gets all angry?? He’s saying you succeeded, you idiot! But the thing is, she did fail so I really don’t get any of it.
The writing was also really cringey. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if this was actually written by an AI that was fed only Wattpad stories and then edited by a sleep-deprived human. It was all around not good.
Also, would a logical transition kill you, Sam Humphries? Because scenes changed like that *snaps* and I never knew where I was, how much time had passed, and what was going on.
TL;DR & Conclusion
This had the potential to be really good but instead it’s just…really not. If it wasn’t for the insufferable MC and the mediocre art and the dreadful plot and generic yet confusing world, I might have liked it. But I didn’t. I will not be continuing this series.
The Art
The art was good…sometimes. Usually, it was painfully awkward and had that certain quality so common in Western comics and graphic novels: what I call “rushed by a deft hand.” The artist was good, undeniably so, but they were also very clearly rushed, or just didn’t care about their art enough to make it look any good.
The spectacle shots were all beautiful but the regular panels and character designs looked just really strange, at least in my opinion. Facial expressions didn’t match logical emotions for the scene, physical stances often looked uncomfortable, and character designs themselves didn’t really give any insight into the characters themselves (which was weird because clothing choice was kind of a theme in this). Essentially, think bad animation from the 90s, but with a 2020 makeover.
Pretty color palette, though. I’ll give ’em that.
The Story
I don’t know what I expected when I heard “neo-noir fantasy,” but whatever it was, this wasn’t it. I guess its comparison to Riverdale is accurate though, because this was flashy, overly dramatic, and made absolutely no sense.
The world could have been really cool, but instead it was generic. There were some really cool elements, but they were mostly background and when they did come into play, I had literally no idea what was happening. The magic system was very poorly explained.
The entire conflict of the story was so beyond convoluted, and so drenched in spoilers that I can’t even complain about what I hated without telling you the entire plot. So I’ll just give you this gif to explain the plot:
The MC is the dumbest Mary Sue I’ve ever encountered. She hears a lot of evidence that the people she trusts are actually 1) not who she thinks they are, 2) lying about everything, and 3) not looking out for her best interests. And yet she still trusts them?? And forgets about all the information she knows about them because ~their aura was telling the truth~? And to make it worse, she knows that her spooky cat only speaks in lies and then when it’s telling her that she failed, she gets all angry?? He’s saying you succeeded, you idiot! But the thing is, she did fail so I really don’t get any of it.
The writing was also really cringey. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if this was actually written by an AI that was fed only Wattpad stories and then edited by a sleep-deprived human. It was all around not good.
Also, would a logical transition kill you, Sam Humphries? Because scenes changed like that *snaps* and I never knew where I was, how much time had passed, and what was going on.
TL;DR & Conclusion
This had the potential to be really good but instead it’s just…really not. If it wasn’t for the insufferable MC and the mediocre art and the dreadful plot and generic yet confusing world, I might have liked it. But I didn’t. I will not be continuing this series.
July 11, 2020
This was incredible. The art is beautiful, the characters captured me, the plot had me absolutely hooked. I loved this so much.
July 25, 2019
The art is beautiful but the plot makes NO SENSE.
May 16, 2019
Blackbird Vol. 1 was good. I enjoyed Nina learning more about the magical paragon/cabal world, and uncovering secrets along the way. Being completely honest most of the characters are unlikable and have very harsh personalities. I’m assuming that was on purpose, but some of them grew on me by the end. As I said I did like the story, it just felt a little all over the place at times. I think the flow was a bit off. The art work is beautiful and eye catching. Even when the story was a bit confusing or inconsistent the artwork definitely kept me turning pages. All in all this was a good read. I’m excited to see where Nina and the rest of the characters end up in future volumes!
*ARC provided by Edelweiss+*
*ARC provided by Edelweiss+*
May 5, 2019
Really love the art! The story is a bit rushed, but I'm hoping it'll improve in the coming volumes.
July 19, 2019
Reading this caused me physical pain. Nina, the main character, is incredibly annoying and stupid. All I can remember is "omg" everywhere and how all is cute and just ugh. No. Definitely not for me. 1,5/5. Just because of art.
August 11, 2022
Nah...
I was intrigued to read this because I thought the art was cool, but I couldn't tell you for the life of me what happened or what this was about.
There was... magic? (question mark?)
There was... A girl with blue hair? (I liked her hair). If you came up to me and were like,"I will give you 50 million dollars if you can tell me this characters name" I still wouldn't be able to 💀
I think at one point she was looking for her sister but that's really all that I grasped from this, it was pretty confusing and the plot wasn't very succinct.
Overall feelings: meh.
I was intrigued to read this because I thought the art was cool, but I couldn't tell you for the life of me what happened or what this was about.
There was... magic? (question mark?)
There was... A girl with blue hair? (I liked her hair). If you came up to me and were like,"I will give you 50 million dollars if you can tell me this characters name" I still wouldn't be able to 💀
I think at one point she was looking for her sister but that's really all that I grasped from this, it was pretty confusing and the plot wasn't very succinct.
Overall feelings: meh.
April 9, 2020
This was fun and the art is beautiful. However for me the story was a bit rushed and the magic system is still really hazy to me. I'm intrigued to continue with the story once the second volume is out.
August 7, 2022
Characters: 2
Atmosphere: 5
Worldbuilding: 1
Plot: 1
Intrigue: 3
Logic/Relationships: 1
Enjoyment: 2
Rating: 2.14
Atmosphere: 5
Worldbuilding: 1
Plot: 1
Intrigue: 3
Logic/Relationships: 1
Enjoyment: 2
Rating: 2.14
July 28, 2019
2 stars ⭐
It was an ok read. I wish more of the magic system had been explained and things weren't so rushed because it made it very confusing.
If I'm being honest, I had no idea what the plot of this was and only picked it up because the cover is absolutely gorgeous as is the artwork on the inside.
It was an ok read. I wish more of the magic system had been explained and things weren't so rushed because it made it very confusing.
If I'm being honest, I had no idea what the plot of this was and only picked it up because the cover is absolutely gorgeous as is the artwork on the inside.
May 24, 2019
jen bartel's art?? gorgeous. sam humphries' plot??? solidly mediocre.
May 8, 2020
THE ART IS BEAUTIFUL
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS ART
At first the story is just okay, but I loved the outcome. I'm very curious to know what's going to happen!
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS ART
At first the story is just okay, but I loved the outcome. I'm very curious to know what's going to happen!
January 10, 2021
the art was probably some of the prettiest illustrations i’ve seen and my eyes absolutely devoured it up. but the writing was confusing, the story was fragmented and the pacing was erratic, as if the writer didn’t bother editing their work.
and it was this kind of shitty writing and unlikable cast of characters that’s brought me to the decision to give this book 2 stars unfortunately 😕
and it was this kind of shitty writing and unlikable cast of characters that’s brought me to the decision to give this book 2 stars unfortunately 😕
May 17, 2019
I will be honest, I have not read many graphic novels so I am not entirely sure how to review them. But I did enjoy this story; it's fast-paced and atmospheric. It did probably take an hour to read it, or even less, except I was tired last night so I fell asleep on it a couple times.
The art style was amazing - honestly, it's so beautiful and I could stare at it forever. I was sad when I finished the last page because there was nothing for me to look at anymore!
I do have to say that it did feel rushed but it was only 169 pages, and the story does build up as you go along and it slowly comes into place. I can't wait to see how it all continues with the next volumes / books.
I think this just means I need to read more graphic novels!
The art style was amazing - honestly, it's so beautiful and I could stare at it forever. I was sad when I finished the last page because there was nothing for me to look at anymore!
I do have to say that it did feel rushed but it was only 169 pages, and the story does build up as you go along and it slowly comes into place. I can't wait to see how it all continues with the next volumes / books.
I think this just means I need to read more graphic novels!
April 15, 2019
How many times can you use the word gnarly
2 stars for the awesome artwork
March 17, 2019
Damn I can’t wait to see where this goes. Full review to come.
July 17, 2020
Review to Come
This had beautiful artwork, but the story line was almost incoherent. It didn't do a good job of explaining anything. It felt like on of those weird vivid dreams that you have when you're sleeping, where one minute your holding a scepter and the next moment you have a cat talking to you. You have no idea how you got there, what's going on, or what the point of it all is. And then you wake up with only weird flashes to remind you of it. Does that make any sense? Well, it makes about as much sense as this comic did.
If I were to recommend it, it would be for the stunning artwork and colors. The story inside needs more coherency.
I might read the second volume, idk. I like to finish things once I start them, so we'll see.
This had beautiful artwork, but the story line was almost incoherent. It didn't do a good job of explaining anything. It felt like on of those weird vivid dreams that you have when you're sleeping, where one minute your holding a scepter and the next moment you have a cat talking to you. You have no idea how you got there, what's going on, or what the point of it all is. And then you wake up with only weird flashes to remind you of it. Does that make any sense? Well, it makes about as much sense as this comic did.
If I were to recommend it, it would be for the stunning artwork and colors. The story inside needs more coherency.
I might read the second volume, idk. I like to finish things once I start them, so we'll see.
May 22, 2019
This comic book was phenomenal! I was pleasantly surprised and shocked about how it pulled me in. I don’t know if anyone else got these vibes but it did slightly remind me of The Wicked + The Divine. I don’t know if it was the storyline or the artwork. Speaking of the artwork!!! It was beautiful and rich I’m so many beautiful colors. I can’t wait for the next volume and I will be doing a full review.
December 14, 2019
Jen Bartel is one of my favorite artists and the coloring in this comic is my absolute favorite.
But the plot is an unexplained mess and the main character is terribly unlikable.
But the plot is an unexplained mess and the main character is terribly unlikable.
July 10, 2020
Fun story and I loved the art!
September 13, 2019
"I'm the only one with the power to make my life better"
The vibrant color collection on any given page is dessert to the eye.
The plot was a bit predictable at some points, but overall it was entertaining.
I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the next issue.
The vibrant color collection on any given page is dessert to the eye.
The plot was a bit predictable at some points, but overall it was entertaining.
I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the next issue.
February 2, 2021
Quick retro review of a quick read for the start of a series that I definitely plan on picking up further. I picked up "Blackbird Volume 1" on the part of a recommendation from Booktuber Maddie/The Book Pusher. (I should probably make a list of Booktubers I follow regularly, since I do take recommendations from several I follow.) Jen Bartel's amazing artwork hooked me in from the moment I saw the stunning cover, and the premise is an interesting one. Volume 1 of the series compiles issues #1-6.
Nina Rodriguez has been able to see magic ever since she was 13, but she was often treated as an outcast or "crazy" from being honest about the creatures she saw after a particularly horrific event that happened that year. When her older sister Marisa is captured and taken to another realm by an otherworldly beast, Nina must take every opportunity that she can, realizing that she has more abilities than she knows. The cast of characters she meets have all kinds of interesting backgrounds on the surface, and I definitely appreciated learning those as well as Nina's backstory. The pacing of the story is nicely interwoven with action scenes coupled with moments that illuminate more on Nina's life.
I wasn't expecting the story to unfold the way it did, particularly with Nina digging for pieces of what happened to her sister and why her powers can be summoned, but not easily controlled. She joins an on-again/off-again alliance with a mysterious boy named Clint and her talking cat Sharpie (whom I found entertaining in the way he speaks the opposite of the truth). Ultimately I could feel for Nina's anguish in discovering that her life has been one lie after another. It makes sense that the ending of this collection has her putting her foot forward to take control of things. Yet, it's hard to tell whether she's making progress or taking part of a larger setup orchestrated by those around her.
I'm definitely planning on picking up the next volume of this series when I can do so.
Overall score: 4/5 stars.
Nina Rodriguez has been able to see magic ever since she was 13, but she was often treated as an outcast or "crazy" from being honest about the creatures she saw after a particularly horrific event that happened that year. When her older sister Marisa is captured and taken to another realm by an otherworldly beast, Nina must take every opportunity that she can, realizing that she has more abilities than she knows. The cast of characters she meets have all kinds of interesting backgrounds on the surface, and I definitely appreciated learning those as well as Nina's backstory. The pacing of the story is nicely interwoven with action scenes coupled with moments that illuminate more on Nina's life.
I wasn't expecting the story to unfold the way it did, particularly with Nina digging for pieces of what happened to her sister and why her powers can be summoned, but not easily controlled. She joins an on-again/off-again alliance with a mysterious boy named Clint and her talking cat Sharpie (whom I found entertaining in the way he speaks the opposite of the truth). Ultimately I could feel for Nina's anguish in discovering that her life has been one lie after another. It makes sense that the ending of this collection has her putting her foot forward to take control of things. Yet, it's hard to tell whether she's making progress or taking part of a larger setup orchestrated by those around her.
I'm definitely planning on picking up the next volume of this series when I can do so.
Overall score: 4/5 stars.
July 14, 2019
As soon as I set my eyes on this gorgeous cover I knew I had to read Blackbird. What can I say? I am a sucker for pretty covers. When I went along to read the synopsis though, I found myself even more intrigued - hispanic lead? Magical beasts? Sister having to save sister? I'm here for it.
And in many ways, this graphic novel really delivered. Especially on that art - gosh, it was absolutely stunning. I loved the colours, the character designs, and the thighs. Yes, you read that right. I loved how Jen Bartel draws thighs.
Storywise, Blackbird was unfortunately often incredibly confusing. The magic system is incredibly unexplored, and I wasn't sure if magic was a thing everyone knew about or not. Did Nina just really read about it online? How come it wasn't common knowledge then?
I also found the dialogue to be a bit stiff sometimes, and much of the conflict to be pretty unnecessary. I absolutely hate when problems arise that could be solved by just... communicating? Or like, asking about what is going on? This lead to the conflict annoying me, as I just wanted them all to talk it out.
Now this sounds like a very negative review, but hear me out. Blackbird has so much potential. It's just a bit hollow right now, and I actually can't wait to see how Sam Humphries will flesh this world and it's character out. And I obviously need more of this art. And Nina's thighs.
And in many ways, this graphic novel really delivered. Especially on that art - gosh, it was absolutely stunning. I loved the colours, the character designs, and the thighs. Yes, you read that right. I loved how Jen Bartel draws thighs.
Storywise, Blackbird was unfortunately often incredibly confusing. The magic system is incredibly unexplored, and I wasn't sure if magic was a thing everyone knew about or not. Did Nina just really read about it online? How come it wasn't common knowledge then?
I also found the dialogue to be a bit stiff sometimes, and much of the conflict to be pretty unnecessary. I absolutely hate when problems arise that could be solved by just... communicating? Or like, asking about what is going on? This lead to the conflict annoying me, as I just wanted them all to talk it out.
Now this sounds like a very negative review, but hear me out. Blackbird has so much potential. It's just a bit hollow right now, and I actually can't wait to see how Sam Humphries will flesh this world and it's character out. And I obviously need more of this art. And Nina's thighs.
August 1, 2019
I read this because Jen Bartel won the 2019 Eisner Award for (multiple) covers, including this one, which is striking, right? She also does the art within the book, which I liked. The story features Nina Rodriguez, who in the first volume is almost wholly unlikeable, working in a bar, painkiller-addicted, with her sister, Marina, after her mother is dead. She and Marina were once saved by some mystical beast, and Nina participates daily in online connections to magic and cabals and paragons, which I am going to guess is a real thing as there are so many magic books and fans here on Goodreads.
So one of these cabals takes her sister, through some demon, and she needs to find her. Nina seems to have a magical cat, who suddenly begins talking and helping. Reminds me a bit of Monstress, though this is a bit unfortunate, because the story and even the art are not near that level (nor of Saga, of course, but what is?). Maybe it’s a bit of Sabrina, and I am told (since I have not read) The Wicked + Divine? Nina, along the way to finding her sister, meets a supposedly gorgeous paragon, who is supposed to look out for her, for reasons we sorta discover. All the world-making/story seems chaotic to me, but this is how I often feel about fantasy and magic stuff.
It's also meant to be very insiderly Latinx LA.
As she gets into the magical world, Nina (also known to her family as Crazy Baby, which kinda fits, though Nasty is more like it) is rude to everyone she meets, bizarrely not realistic about the dangers she faces, and we are supposed to be sympathetic with her, as the story is told through her point of view, but. . . not yet. I expect this changes and her relationships get better in subsequent volumes. Not my bag, but nice to look at it and it might get good. 2.5 for me.
So one of these cabals takes her sister, through some demon, and she needs to find her. Nina seems to have a magical cat, who suddenly begins talking and helping. Reminds me a bit of Monstress, though this is a bit unfortunate, because the story and even the art are not near that level (nor of Saga, of course, but what is?). Maybe it’s a bit of Sabrina, and I am told (since I have not read) The Wicked + Divine? Nina, along the way to finding her sister, meets a supposedly gorgeous paragon, who is supposed to look out for her, for reasons we sorta discover. All the world-making/story seems chaotic to me, but this is how I often feel about fantasy and magic stuff.
It's also meant to be very insiderly Latinx LA.
As she gets into the magical world, Nina (also known to her family as Crazy Baby, which kinda fits, though Nasty is more like it) is rude to everyone she meets, bizarrely not realistic about the dangers she faces, and we are supposed to be sympathetic with her, as the story is told through her point of view, but. . . not yet. I expect this changes and her relationships get better in subsequent volumes. Not my bag, but nice to look at it and it might get good. 2.5 for me.
September 15, 2020
*immediately Googles if i can buy art prints*
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Latina mc w/ a substance addiction; Black & Latine scs.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • Twitter • Instagram
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Latina mc w/ a substance addiction; Black & Latine scs.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • Twitter • Instagram
June 2, 2019
i don’t even know where to begin with this. everything was amazing. yeah, it was a little rushed but... it’s meant to be a whirlwind.
this comic series is probably the most beautiful thing my eyes every witnessed. the art is so beautiful. i cannot stress how much the color palette and the art style fit this.
the plot was also very good. i��m kinda new to this subject matter so i can’t really speak on originality but i can say i’ve never read anything like this.
the way the sixth issue ended leads me to believe this story is about to get so much bigger and i honestly can’t wait. it seems like it’s going to be very intense but well written. i can’t wait to continue this.
this comic series is probably the most beautiful thing my eyes every witnessed. the art is so beautiful. i cannot stress how much the color palette and the art style fit this.
the plot was also very good. i��m kinda new to this subject matter so i can’t really speak on originality but i can say i’ve never read anything like this.
the way the sixth issue ended leads me to believe this story is about to get so much bigger and i honestly can’t wait. it seems like it’s going to be very intense but well written. i can’t wait to continue this.
August 18, 2019
نينا على يقين أن هناك مجموعات سحرية سرية تجول في أرجاء لوس أنجلوس، بعد أن حدث لها عدة أمور غريبة لم يكن لها تفسير. لكن المشكلة هنا أن لا أحد يُصدِقها، فوجب عليها أن تكشف الحقيقة قبل أن يأتي الوحش العظيم مجددا ويقضي عليها
الرسم في الرواية رائع ودقيق، الألوان اللي استخدمت كتير لفتت نظري. لكن القصة كانت بحاجة لتفسير اكتر، الأمور كانت معجلة شوي ولكن بشوف أنها كانت بداية جيدة، والقصة عندها الإمكانية بأن تتطور وتتحسن
3.5 / 5
الرسم في الرواية رائع ودقيق، الألوان اللي استخدمت كتير لفتت نظري. لكن القصة كانت بحاجة لتفسير اكتر، الأمور كانت معجلة شوي ولكن بشوف أنها كانت بداية جيدة، والقصة عندها الإمكانية بأن تتطور وتتحسن
3.5 / 5
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