2025 Reading Challenge discussion

I did pretty good last year with my reading. But I feel like I can do better this year.

My goal this year is to read 20 books, 800 comic books, and 600 manga chapters (online).

The GoodRead's challenge lists manga volumes and trade-paperbacks as regular books, so I'll use this to set up a more focused goal setting and updating. The first couple comments will be me updating what I've read and the following comments will be my reviews and our discussions! :D

My stats so far:

Books:
Comics: 171
Fanfiction Chapters:
Kids Books: 2
Manga Chapters: 114

(Note: I list kids books as, well, just that, books meant for children. I don't count them towards my 20 books this year. I just read them as I get them for fun and nostalgia.)

(Second Note: A lot of the things listed here contains adult themes [violence, language, sexual, psychosis, drugs, ect.] But this does not mean all I read is porn, or I am into nothing but violence. I will try to read most anything at least once. And I tend to psycho analyze the things I read.)

Books So far:

January:

February:

March:

1. The Hand of Chaos by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman (Currently Reading)
2. Dark Stranger The Dream by I.T. Lucas (Currently Reading)
3.
4.
5.

April:

May:

June:

July:

August:

September:

October:

November:

December:

Comics: So Far

January:

1. X-Men Chronicles (1995) # 2
2. Hawkgirl (2006-2007) # 53 - 66
3. Hawkman (1993-1996) # 0
4. Hawkman (2002-2006) #1, 21 - 23, 28, 30
5. Hawkman: Endless Night TPB
6. Hawkman Secret Files #1
7. Hawkman Special (2008) #1
8. Hawkman (1986-1987) #17
9. Hawkman (1993-1996) #2-6, 8, 14 - 15
10. Hawkworld (1990-1993) #1-15, 17, 19, 21 - 32
11. Mystery in Space (1951-1981) #87
12. Rann-Thanagar Holy War #1 - 2
13. Rann-Thanagar War #1 - 6
14. Shadow War of Hawkman #1
15. All-New Savage She-Hulk #1

February:

16. Hulk (2014-Pres.) #1, 5
17. X-Men Prelude to Schism # 1 -2
18. X-Men Schism (2011) # 1
19. Hulk: Broken Worlds (2009) # 1 - 2
20. Super-Villain Team-Up (1975-1980) # 12
21. Fantastic Four (1961-1996) # 284
22. Incredible Hulk (1963-1999) # 355, 400, Annual # 1, 11
23. Incredible Hulk (2000-2008) # 55, 67 - 69
24. Savage She-Hulk (1980-1982) # 1, 2, 8, 14, 20
25. She-Hulk (2004-2005) # 1
26. She-Hulk (2014-2015) # 1
27. 52 (2006-2007) # 1 - 34

March:

28. 52 (2006-2007) # 35 - 52
29. Demon 1990-1995) # 27, 29 - 32
30. Batman Forever Movie Adaption
31. Nick Fury Vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. (1988) # 1
32. Batman (1940-2011) # 393, 400, 440
33. Suicide Squad (1987-1992, 2010) # 1
34. Green Lantern: Mosaic (1992-1993) #11
35. Marvel Comics Presents (1988-1995) #17
36. Prince: Alter Ego # 1
37. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures Year of Turtles # 3
38. Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight (1988-2007) # 50
39. Tank Girl: Bad Wind Rising # 1
40. 52 Aftermath: The Four Horsemen # 1
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.

April:

May:

June:

July:

August:

September:

October:

November:

December:

Manga Chapters So Far:

January:

1. Classi9 ch. 9, 10
2. Master in My Dreams Ch. 10 - 12, 14 - 25
3. Hand Play Ch. 6 - 8
4. SStudy Ch. 16-23
5. Inuyasha Ch. 211 - 218
6. Koi wa Beniiro Ch. 1
7. Hetalia Dj - Lieto Fine Ch. 1
8. H-Mate Ch. 1-40
9. Nirameba Koi Ch. 1-11.5
10. Kekkon Yubiwa Monogatari Ch. 16
11. Before Daylight Love Ch. 1 - 4.5
12. After Morning Love Ch. 1 - 5
13. Kakemakumo, Kashikoki Ch. 5

February:

14. Hand Play Ch. 9
15. SStudy Ch. 24
16. Master in My Dreams Ch. 26-28
17. Classi9 Ch. 11
18. H-Mate Ch. 41

March:

19. Kekkon Yubiwa Monogatari ch. 16.5
20. Classi9 Ch. 12 - 13
21. Cyborg 009 Vol. 1 - 3
22.
23.
24.
25.

April:

May:

June:

July:

August:

September:

October:

November:

December:

Thoughts On: Classi9

Classi9 is a manga by Yoshimura Tsumuji, whom I have been able to find here on GoodReads, but I can't find this series by them here. So if you know the information on the volumes, please let me know.

The manga site I use to read this series is slow to update. As of this comment there are only 10 chapters uploaded.

This is a cute series that puts many of the great musical composers (Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, ect.) in a school together in Vienna. So, as one can clearly see - this isn't historically accurate in any sense of the word.

However, it's a cute series that follows Japanese composer Taki Rentaro (who for the purposes of this manga is a female) getting accidentally accepted into this school for boys.

While normally I would hate a series that butchered history in this way - but I feel this is a good way to introduce people to many classical composers they may not have heard of before. And the message that Chapter 10 sends about artists I feel is powerful.

And that message is: not to loose sight of why your an artist. While we may have to please others if art is our job. Don't let that kill your passion, don't let the opinions of others define you. Art is a reflection of ourselves - don't let your passion die.

As an artist that spoke to me.

I'll add more as I read more - which with how slow thier updates are, we'll see.

(You can read this here: Link)

Thoughts On: Master in My Dreams

Master in My Dreams is a manhwa (Korean Manga) by Son Hwi-Joon. An author and manhwa I have not been able to find on GoodReads - hence this type of review.

I am tempted to stop reading this series at times. I am 17 chapters in on the site I use to read it.

The story was okay in the beginning, a succubus and an demon who are working together to combat a target who can lucid dream (control their dreams). The succubus is uncomfortable with sexual acts and the demon is kind of smug.

It had an interesting potential concept - but it is becoming virtually nothing but sex, so it's getting rather boring.

Granted I don't mind porn, but it does get boring if that's the only thing used to draw in readers.

I'll add more as I read more - which I might not.

Edit: 3/1/16

Abandoned. The plot started moving but I just couldn't do it.

(You can read this here: Link)

Hawkgirl: The Maw by Walter Simonson

I am reading this series in individual issue format - but using the trade paperback format for GoodReads purposes because they don't list the individual 32 page issues on here.

This chronicles issues 50 through 56 of the Hawkgirl (2006-2007) series.

I've been quite the comic book fanatic for a long time, and therefore have a lot of varying interests, Hawkgirl one of the bigger ones. Despite my not having a lot of opportunity thus far to read her underrated series.

After reading a handful of reviews, I have noticed that most disliked this series. But I actually enjoyed it. It isn't the best under the Hawkgirl title, but it is not bad. The story is fairly interesting and keeps to the Egyptian back story (it hasn't always been that back story, but that is one of the most popular). The characters interacting, her unique use of her wings (controllable strap on's), and the concepts/designs were pretty interesting.

The thing that really turned me off from the series was the art. It wasn't too bad, and I have definitely seen worse. But I really thing that this style doesn't work for this series at all. It's sketch, not quite proportionate. My two biggest problems with the art was the way they drew Khimaera (which was just awful and made me wonder if the artist had seen a naked woman), and the overuse of nipples. In almost every panel that there was a female character there was clear visible nipples showing through the clothes. Even if they weren't wearing a bra - there is no way to see the nipple in most of the panels. It wasn't even done in an attractive way - rather trashy actually.

I debated about the rating mostly because of the art. I know I am picky, but artists tend to be rather picky about others art. It happens.

Overall though, I am enjoying the series so far, and am going to finish it out.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thoughts On: Hand Play

There are a lot of explicit manhwa being published as of recently. And this one is one of those - heck, it's down right rape-y. Therefore I might stop reading this one (I've done that with a couple now).

A lot of times when I get tired of reading a longer series that I've started I will search for recently updated ones with only a few chapters to start reading something without as big of a commitment. This was one of those.

The basic plot, as I can tell thus far, is a guy get's a camera that allows him to control others and uses it to have sex with a neighbor that he's been in love with for quite a while, using this time to confess to her. There was another character as well that could put his hands through live television and do things to the people on there.

It's a rather boring series so far. I haven't decided definitely to stop reading. But I am seriously considering it.

Edit: 2/5/2016

This series keeps jumping around and getting stupider and stupider.

Edit: 3/1/2016

Abandoned. Too stupid even for me.

(You can read this here: Link.)

Thoughts On: SStudy

Yet another explicit manhwa out. This one had a little bit better plot than the other ones I have read - however it is still not a very good one.

None of the characters are all that likable and the story is fairly basic in concept. A college campus with a "study group" that meets to get drunk and have sex. But there are developing relationships between some of the main characters. To bad I don't like any of them.

This is another one I might abandon. If I do I'll be sure to update this comment with that fact. So far none of these new series I've picked up have been that good.

Edit: 3/1/2016

Abandoned.

(You can read this here: Link.)

Hawkgirl: Hath-Set by Walter Simonson

I read the individual comic volumes of this instead of the trade paperback. But seeing how GoodReads doesn't list the individual volumes, I'm using this to post my reviews.

Everyone I've seen hated this this series, but I didn't have a problem with it other than the early art in the Hawkgirl section of this series (it initially followed Hawkman, then the story continued in a Hawkgirl arc).

I actually enjoyed the ending of this series. It wasn't really concluded, but the characters showed growth and were set to rediscover who each other are, and not who they were.

I enjoyed it. Too bad not many others on here did.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hawkman: Endless Flight by Geoff Johns

I actually own a couple of the individual issues as well as the trade paperback version (which is what this review is of.)

The parts of this series that I have been able to read have been good. I would like to finish it, but we'll see when I will actually be able tp get my hands on them, haha.

This series has a lot of good action, strong feels, and plenty more.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thoughts on: H-Mate

This manga has a lot more story than the other serialized manhwa out there currently that I've read lately. The story isn't very good or all that complex, but it has more story than most of the rest.

The only thing that has been keeping me reading this is the beautiful art and the psychological aspect that I've been considering.

The manhwa follows many characters that have various sexual psychosis. One is a predator, one cannot have functioning relationships with the opposite gender without sex, one has obsessive controlling behavior.

So far (chapter 25), the theme of the manga seem to be that men and women cannot have a relationship with each other that doesn't include a sexual or romantic aspect. Which is a really naive and narrow minded look at life. It is also false in most cases.

While there are many men and women in the world who find it difficult to have /relationships with the opposite gender, the opposite is the norm. I myself have friends that are male and female and we have never had those feelings and have very healthy relationships.

I am curious to see if the characters actually grow as people or if they end up becoming static characters. My guess is going to be the latter.

Edit: 2/9/2016

I'm officially abandoning this series. I've given up on it. It's boring me, and nothing is changing, none of the characters are growing. I'm so done with this. Abandoned at Ch. 41.

InuYasha: Cast-Off Heart by Rumiko Takahashi

I finally got around to finishing this volume! (Remember, I read these online, so it's different than sitting down with a volume.)

In this volume we get to learn more about Naraku, the sword gets stronger, and we get a little bit of filler.

Eventually I'll get around to finishing this series. XD Hopefully it won't take too much longer.


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

睨めば恋 [Nirameba Koi] by ゆくえ萌葱

I'd actually say this is a 4.5 or so star, the art wasn't spectacular, but the story stood out compared to a lot of other yaoi manga I have read.

I say it stood out because the premise of the main couples relationship wasn't rape. The secondary couple could be considered rape, since the the consent wasn't clear, but it wasn't blatant like most yaoi stories.

You can have a homosexual couple have a healthy relationship without it starting with rape.

And this was a prime example of that. The two main characters have emotional issues (not being able to express oneself in a comfortable manor) that are common and don't make them "freaks" and they find themselves falling for each other in a natural way, finding thier faults beautiful.

This was cute. I love it. And I'm going to keep reading it.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hawkworld (1990 series) #1 by D.C. Comics

This is actually one of the individual comic book issues, which you usually can't find on GoodReads. I usually don't add individual ones one here anyway because that would make things very cluttered on my "Read" shelf. The only reason I'm adding this one is because I cannot find any Trade Paperback (TPB) versions of it on my sites.

I own most of this series, and am currently reading it. I like it so far. It's not the most spectacular thing I've read, but it's a nice look into the Thanagarian life style and we get to learn all lot about the political structure.

The comic is a little more on the word-y side, but most from the older generations were. There is a fine balance between what needs to be stated and what needs to be shown. It took a while for the industry to figure out a good formula, but this is still a good series so far.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

アフターモーニング・ラブ [After Morning Love] by Mitori Fujii

I am officially in love with Mitori Fujii's writing and art.

Unlike most yaoi (and I have read a lot) this series doesn't rely on sex and rape to drive a characters relationship. THERE ARE ACTUAL HUMAN FEELINGS IN THIS. And while there is rape in a later chapter - the characters also acknowledge that it's not okay.

That's one of the biggest things that hooked me to this series. That and the story was really cute, but all too short. It's a story of finding yourself, and learning to deal with issues bigger than yourself. It's learning that it's okay to love someone and try to take care of them.

I loved this book, and I want more. NOW.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ビフォアデイライト・ラブ [Before Daylight Love] by Mitori Fujii

I am officially in love with Mitori Fujii's writing and art.

Unlike most yaoi (and I have read a lot) this series doesn't rely on sex and rape to drive a characters relationship. THERE ARE ACTUAL HUMAN FEELINGS IN THIS. And while there is rape in a later chapter - the characters also acknowledge that it's not okay.

That's one of the biggest things that hooked me to this series. That and the story was really cute, but all too short. It's a story of finding yourself, and learning to deal with issues bigger than yourself. It's learning that it's okay to love someone and try to take care of them.

I loved this book, and I want more. NOW.

This is the second book in the series, and I sincerely hope that there will be more (and I am determined to read all that they've written. ALL OF IT)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love your system! Good luck with the rest of the year:)

Winter wrote: "I love your system! Good luck with the rest of the year:)"

I'm glad you like my system, and thank you! Good luck with your challenge this year as well! :D

Field Trip Facts: Notes From Ms. Frizzle's Kids by School Children

I enjoy reading some of kids books and living in the nostalgia of said books. Of course I have a different perspective on them now that I'm older - but it's interesting nonetheless. I remember loving when the Magic School Bus television show and being absolutely fascinated by it.

This one wasn't as good as the other ones I've read only because there was less personality in it. BUT it was still an amazing book to read.

One thing I love about the Magic School Bus series is that Ms. Frizzle brings the education to the children and doesn't shy away from the facts or some of the terminology.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thundercats and the Ghost Warrior by Megan Stine

I was never much into the "Choose Your Own Fate/Adventure" books growing up, so I can't really say how this compares to others in the genre. But this was definitely a fun read, something light and qick that I could get a couple stories out of.

I would follow one story to then end, go back, change the last thing and keep going until I read the whole thing, so that was interesting.

All in all it was a pretty good way to pass some time before bed.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

52 by Geoff Johns

Note: I read the individual comic book issues, but seeing as GoodReads does not list all of these issues individually, I rate them using the omnibus and collection editions. This volume collects issues 1 thru 13.

(Light spoilers to follow.)

I would say that this so far is a 4.5 rating. It's interesting to see how the characters are interacting in a world with no Batman, Superman or Wonder Woman.

Booster Gold's arch has been quite feelsy (as with most all the characters, but that's besides the point). He just wanted to be a hero, but ended up being hated and suffered for it.

I'm also really intrigued to see where Black Adam's story arch is headed. He's become quite the vicious and cruel man (more so than before). The shear determination driven by (somewhat) good intentions.

A very interesting series, with a lot going on in it. I'll definitely be trying to collect every issue (there was a lot of series that shot off from the main arch, which I have).

Happy reading everyone.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

52, Vol. 2 by Geoff Johns

Note: I own and read the indvidual 32 page issues of this series, but GoodReads does not list those, therefore I leave my reviews on the trade-paperback volumes listed.

I really had little idea going into this series just how much there was to it. It really does invest the reader into an entire world.

All of the story lines do get a little jumbled at times, but I find it easy to find ones way back.

So far, a great story with wonderful art coupled with histories of many of the superheroes (and those not so... heroic). Its great to see these, even if I know most of them already, haha.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kaotic wrote: "Winter wrote: "I love your system! Good luck with the rest of the year:)"

I'm glad you like my system, and thank you! Good luck with your challenge this year as well! :D"

Thank you!

52, Vol. 3 by Geoff Johns

I am reading the individual 32-page comic book issues, but because GoodReads does not list those and for ease of review, I am reviewing the trade-paperback issues of this series.

(Minor spoilers to follow.)

I love Sobek and no one can say otherwise. He is awkward, shy, timid and a crocodile, what's not to love?

The story line is getting quite intense, there is so much to the story. I must say, I am impressed with it.

Booster Gold is back and we see how his "faithful robot" has turbed to the dark side, and eaten the Phantom Zone. (Not a good thing, and excuse the puns.)

We also get to see the creation of the four, disturbing looking Horsemen.

And Lex Luthor is Lex Luthor. *Insert various insults for his crazed mind here.*

And Lobo. I always LOVE me a good Lobo story/cameo.

so yeah, good story, timey-wimey, crocodiles, and Lobo. All good things.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good luck with your challenges, Kaotic! I like the way you've set goals for each type of material you read.

Cassandra wrote: "Good luck with your challenges, Kaotic! I like the way you've set goals for each type of material you read."

Thanks! Good luck with your challenge as well.

Each style of material that I read counts as one on GoodReads, and I wanted a more focused goal for myself this year. So far I love it. :D And I'm glad others like it as well.

52, Vol. 4 by Geoff Johns

That was quite the read. A lot of ups and downs. A lot of feels.

I must say that I really liked the story, although I found it a little odd. (Though, it is a comic, so it's bound to be a little strange.)

Black Atoms story I found really interesting and rather feelsy.

I also liked that not everything was wrapped up in the end. There is still a lot to explore in the story (which I am going to do.)

It was also pretty cool to see Rip Hunter play a major role in this. I found myself comparing him to how he is protrayed on the new Legends of Tomorrow television show. (And I must say that a time master being played by one of the Doctors compainions is fantastic.)

All in all I really liked this. It was interesting and rather hectic. A fun read.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cyborg 009, Volume 1 by Shotaro Ishinomori

I bought the first five volumes of this series from my local nerd store, owned by one of my friends. The main reason I bought it was for the nostalgia aspect.

I remembered watching and loving it as a kid growing up (I believe the anime was out in either the late 90s or early 2000s). I couldn't remember much about it after I got older, but I remember it being one I watched every week, a series I loved. I always had scattered memories of what it was about - but never more than that.

After reading the first volume, I can say with certainty that this is an amazing series. It's powerful. I highly doubt that I understood completely the meaning and messages behind this growing up. But now that I'm older I'm ecstatic that I've found it once again.

The plot is simple with a dramatic (at the time) statement about the flaws of society. 9 individuals, the quiet or low end of society, where kidnapped and used as test subjects to be the worlds next step in the arms race. New weapons. One of the 9 was a mere infant. Now that they have been turned into cyborgs they are rebelling against those who turned them into what they are - they refuse to become mindless weapons of mass destruction.

The story, as I said, isn't complex, but the writing speaks volumes to those who profit on war, and try to keep the populous in a state of permanent terror. And for a Japanese man writing this in the 1960s, that was a daring story to tell.

The characters play heavily on stereotypes of the various races that where kidnapped for the experiment. But they each have their own personality that shines through despite the stereotypes. Which is something that you don't see very often.

As for the art, I'm not sure if it's the nostalgia or the type of story it is. But the art is simplistic and rather exaggerated, not something I normally follow, but I love the art.

I can't wait to start on the next volume - I may have this series done soon (there where only 10 volumes in the series, and I own the first 5. Yay me.)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Cyborg 009 when it was on television. I know what you mean about scattered memories... I remember, when I was a bit older, I spent a week trying to figure out the name of this series I liked so much when I was a kid. I might have to snag this one from the library!

Cassandra wrote: "I loved Cyborg 009 when it was on television. I know what you mean about scattered memories... I remember, when I was a bit older, I spent a week trying to figure out the name of this series I like..."

It's definitely worth looking into again. I love the series. It has some wonderful and powerful statements about society and some excellent character studies.

To be honest, I was starting to think I was one of the only ones who remembered it existed.

I'll let you know what I think when I read it. :)