I'm a well read grad student who's bluntly honest about all things, although I try to be most honest about myself.
The problem was with the art, and I really feel like the author/artist has improved a lot over these six volumes. Which if you're not into the art in the previous ones, and don't want to read it because of that? Doesn't help.
I was willing to give it a shot, and I'm pleased: I find the storylines, even when somewhat ridiculous, also addictively compelling, enough so for me to really want to continue.
Three and a half stars because the storyline isn't the best I've read, and the art still gets a little wonky sometimes, but I'm definitely enjoying this more than I did the first couple of volumes!