Spike: After the Fall
by Brian Lynch, Franco Urru
Jason Bucky Roberts‘s review
Mar 30, 13 · edit
bookshelves: graphic-novels
Recommended for: yes
Read on March 30, 2013 — I own a copy, read count: 3
First off, IDW, as always, gave this hardcover the delux treatment. The book will stand out on your shelf, no doubt about that.
A lot of beloved stories don’t really hold up to a second reading. A lot of stories that didn’t go over so well read a lot better after a second reading. Spike: After the Fall definitely changes with repeated reads, but doesn’t fall into either of those categories. It was fantastic when I first read it, but the more I read the more the utter greatness of it starts to stand out.
It’s a prequel that truly stands on its own. It tells what happened to Spike and Illyria between First Night and the main arc of After The Fall, so we know where they start and where they end up… but getting there is all the shocking, tragic, bloody fun. Spike’s dialogue is the strongest it’s ever been, allowing us to get close–but not too close–to our vampire champion. Brian Lynch subtly, gracefully crafts the relationships between the three leads, Spike, Illyria, and Jeremy, setting us up for heartbreak that we knew had to come but could have never predicted how. Spike’s story reads even better in the context of the entire Angel: After the Fall arc. Both of them play off each other so well, elevating both stories to a new level. I loved Spike: After the Fall when it was released in four parts, and I looked forward to the book every month… but it’s nothing compared to how the story reads now.
Brian ended his commentary by saying this: “Spike’s grown a lot throughout the TV shows, hasn’t he? Just thinking about all the changed Whedon and company put him through on the TV shows, it’s pretty mind-boggling. He’s a wonderfully rich and complicated character, and hopefully Franco and I did him justice.” I’ll end my review by saying this: Spike is among the most well-developed characters in the Buffyverse, going from pitiful poet to feared killer to a monster trying to go against his nature to a true champion. Brian and Franco took that character to the next level. In their Spike trilogy, they forever changed the character, reminding us how deep and complex he can be, something that might have been glossed over in the business of Angel: Season Five. They’ve added a season’s worth of development to the character, taking him in brand new and excitingly dark directions. No one writes our favorite blond vampire better.
The Walking Dead, Vol. 14: No Way Out
by Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard (Illustrator)
Jason Bucky Roberts‘s review
Mar 30, 13 · edit
Recommended for: yes
Read on March 30, 2013 — I own a copy, read count: 2
When I heard that AMC was going to produce a television series based on the zombie epic “The Walking Dead,” I was both concerned and delighted. A bona fide classic in undead lore, “The Walking Dead” graphic novels are brutal and surprising–not really what I would picture for a basic cable TV show. The first season ran with 6 episodes, and the ratings were stellar for AMC (a network known for terrific and prestigious shows like “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad”). With Frank Darabont of “Shawshank Redemption” fame as the creative force behind the show and Robert Kirkman’s (the comic’s creator) involvement as a writer, we have a winner gearing up for a second season–so check it out today on DVD if you haven’t already!But picking up with the graphic novels, Kirkman hits us with “Volume 14: No Way Out.” Now, I have heard some disappointment about recent installments of this terrifically well-rounded series. For those looking for general mayhem and violence, the story has been producing some of the more subdued chapters of late. I have to say that initially I agreed. With Rick and clan installed in a new community, there were dozens of new characters sharing center stage. I found this off-putting at first. But what happened in “Volume 13: Too Far Gone” was far more important than just another attack. Rick’s growth and character development were a highlight and how he, and the others, started to acclimatize to their new surroundings had surprising emotional resonance. The characters faced the crossroads where they were allowed to start feeling human again and started to face the moral repercussions of the things they’ve done and will have to continue to do in order to survive. I ended up really feeling connected with “Too Far Gone” in a surprising way. If you’re open to seeing “The Walking Dead” as a fully rounded epic, these moments of introspection are entirely crucial!
“No Way Out,” however, should satisfy those begging for a return to bloodlust and monster mayhem. While early sections of the story are spread among far too many characters (we need to thin the pack!), this is the chapter in which we really see Rick reclaim his leadership role making both good and bad decisions. The entire focus of the tale is taken over by a zombie horde that has discovered our little community. Things may not be as secure as our heroes had hoped and when safety is compromised–nothing will be the same again. Mutilated corpses and surprising new victims populate this episode which is an absolute game changer. But amidst all the carnage and loss, Rick has a remarkable epiphany near the end that makes one of the most powerful soliloquies the series has yet produced.
Better Days (Serenity, #2)
by Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews, Will Conrad (Illustrator)
This is the second comic based on Joss Whedon’s wickedly good but short-lived TV series Firefly. The first bridged the gap between the series and the feature film that followed, while this one is more a stand-alone adventure — kind of like an episode from the series that was never made. On the plus side, it’s always nice to revisit beloved characters and spend some bonus time in their company. The gang is all present and correct, with all the banter you’d expect. However, there’s nothing really “extra” here — you’re not going to get a new insight into any of the characters. The story is pretty choppy, and concerns the Firefly gang stealing a piece of advanced tech and the complications that ensue when they try and sell it on. The plot feels kind of recycled from other sources, and some of the transitions are downright confusing. At a few points, I was wondering if there had been some kind of production error that had flipped panels between spreads or something. The art and panelling is otherwise very solid, with faithful attention paid to keeping the Firefly crew looking exactly like the cast, with some really nice color work that’s bold without calling attention to itself. It’s a quick read (maybe 20-30 minutes depending on how much you want to savor it as you go), and if you’re in need of a Firefly fix, it’ll certainly do — just keep your expectations in check.
The Walking Dead, Vol. 1: Days Gone Bye
by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore (Illustrator)
by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore (Illustrator)
Jason Bucky Roberts‘s review
Mar 04, 13 · edit
Recommended for: Yes
Read on March 04, 2013 — I own a copy, read count: 2
With some reluctance I picked up the “Days Gone Bye” trade about two months ago. I had sworn off zombie comics and horror comics in general due to a serious lack of quality amongst the books that I was reading. I had been hearing nothing but praise for “The Walking Dead” for months so I decided to go out and pick up a copy of the trade. I figured for $10 I couldn’t go wrong. I decided to give it a shot. Now, when I started reading it I was a little disappointed. I thought it was a bit goofy actually but I decided to read on. As the book progressed I began to see that Kirkman was actually utilizing the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse as a canvas to tell some seriously intense stories about the hope and perseverance of the human spirit in the face of terrible adversity. Rick Grimes[the main character] and company come off as a very real, very well developed characters. I found myself beginning to care for them very quickly. It turns out that as the story goes on, and the inevitable dread that follows a zombie infested world begins to take shape, the true horror of this comic begins to reveal itself. Although chock full of zombies, the real horror of this book is the things that the living members of the book have to endure in order to survive. Or rather, attempt to survive. As of this writing the book is up to issue #9 in monthly format. # 9 was the absolute best comic I’ve read this year so far. This book can only get better.
Also Kirkman wrote his first draft including the coma storyline way before 28 Days Later, so you people crying about “plagiarism” can go point a finger at Danny Boyle, and while your at it, tell him rotting corpses can’t run.
Second of all the people crying that he was in a coma for a month with no care can go climb a tree. IN A GRAPHIC NOVEL ABOUT ZOMBIES THAT’S WHAT YOUR GOING TO HIGHLIGHT AS BEING UNREALISTIC? Your a joke. Also, it never says he was without care for the whole month. Who knows when the hospital cleared out, NOBODY WAS THERE WITH HIM TO KNOW.
Lastly, for those complaining that it follows the motions familiar with Zombie Outbreak story lines, there is a simple reason for that. Romero spent his life perfecting the story line. They go with the obvious outcome and follow the obvious chain of events. How do you think it would happen? What do you think the government would do? What do you think people would do? I’m pretty sure it’d be something close to what Romero, Krikman, and all the rest have already written or filmed. Kirkman does an amazing job. The first book sets up what happened, which is why it seems familiar.
Also Kirkman wrote his first draft including the coma storyline way before 28 Days Later, so you people crying about “plagiarism” can go point a finger at Danny Boyle, and while your at it, tell him rotting corpses can’t run.
Second of all the people crying that he was in a coma for a month with no care can go climb a tree. IN A GRAPHIC NOVEL ABOUT ZOMBIES THAT’S WHAT YOUR GOING TO HIGHLIGHT AS BEING UNREALISTIC? Your a joke. Also, it never says he was without care for the whole month. Who knows when the hospital cleared out, NOBODY WAS THERE WITH HIM TO KNOW.
Lastly, for those complaining that it follows the motions familiar with Zombie Outbreak story lines, there is a simple reason for that. Romero spent his life perfecting the story line. They go with the obvious outcome and follow the obvious chain of events. How do you think it would happen? What do you think the government would do? What do you think people would do? I’m pretty sure it’d be something close to what Romero, Krikman, and all the rest have already written or filmed. Kirkman does an amazing job. The first book sets up what happened, which is why it seems familiar.
Wolverine: Blood Debt
by Steve Skroce
Jason Bucky Roberts‘s review
Feb 21, 13 · edit
bookshelves: graphic-novels
Recommended for: No
Read on February 21, 2013, read count: 2
Blood Debt is just another one of Wolverine’s adventure in Japan but this time he also goes to Mongolia. There really nothing special about it. Wolverine is doing his thing, avoiding trouble but then some bad guys decide to get into a fight with him, thinking that they could actually take him. Overall, Blood Debt follows the basic Wolverine story, he kills some villains and save the day….with attitude.
There are two kind of Wolverine fans, the ones that like to see wolverine fighting powerful mutants, and the ones that like more realistic enemies, the tale belongs to the second group, in the story Wolverine fights against a Mongolian Mob, which is very fractured from the inside.
The action is non-stop, as Wolverine battles hundreds of mobsters in order to rescue his stepdaughter from the Mob leaders.
The art is simply outstanding, not only Steve Skroce makes an interesting approach to Logan, but he also creates very visually attractive characters, with original clothing and body language.
The story could have been better, but is entertaining enough to make the book worthy.
Uncanny X-Force: Apocalypse Solution
by Rick Remender, Jerome Opeña (Illustrator), Dean White (Colorist)
by Rick Remender, Jerome Opeña (Illustrator), Dean White (Colorist)
In the wake of the epic Second Coming saga, Cyclops opted to disband his secret kill crew, mostly because his conscience got to him, but also partly because the rest of the X-Men found out about X-Force’s existence and are directing dagger glares at him. Except that Wolverine isn’t so quick to let go of this dark dream. He believes there’s still a need for the squirmy things that only a black ops team can accomplish. Wolverine, pragmatic cuss, thinks that if not now, then soon, some extinction-level threat will surface that will require tending to, maybe in wetworks fashion. So X-Force is still active, still clandestine. Only now, Cyclops isn’t in the loop.There’s been a roster shuffling. X-23 is off the team, as are Domino and Warpath. Wolverine and Archangel are the de facto team leaders, with newcomers Psylocke, Fantomex, and Deadpool bolstering the ranks. This is an awesome assembly of psychotic or tortured killers and berserkers, and I pretty much freaked out when I learned about who’s on this new team. The possibilities… the potential for sheer mayhem and wanton stabby stabby… and Cavern-X.I don’t keep exact track of what’s on my top ten list of favorite comic books. I wouldn’t doubt it that I have at least twenty titles in my top ten. But there’s something about UNCANNY X-FORCE. Rick Remender takes over the writing chores, and he’s bloody fantastic. He injects vitality and stark doses of brutal action, but never at the cost of solid character work. There was potential for this title to become Liefeldized, to be this parade of mindless, numbing violence. But there’s pathos and emotional conflict and moral complexities and simply bravura storytelling. Remender is able to take obscure characters like Fantomex and EVA and breathe new life into them. He finds a niche for Deadpool, and while the demented mercenary serves mainly as the comic foil, he topsy-turvies the group dynamics. How do you get the nerve to plant two wise-cracking killers on the same crew? How could you resist it? I’m loving the verbal exchanges between Wade Wilson and Fantomex, sparse as they are. Each is given his own distinctive voice. Maybe the moment in which Remender convinced me that I was in good hands was when the X-Force’s least engaged member unexpectedly steps up big time. But, to demonstrate Remender’s twisted sensibilities, it’s a disturbing hero moment.This new team doesn’t bother with bottom feeding villains. X-Force goes after the big guns. Their foe, right off the bat, is none other than the reborn Apocalypse. Except that this incarnation of Apocalypse is still in his childhood. X-Force is unyielding in its mission to end Apocalypse’s threat once and for all, never mind that the threat doesn’t have on his big boy pants yet. But even should this hardened crew of killers get thru what is perhaps the most dangerous (and interesting) Horsemen of Apocalypse yet, can they follow thru on ending a child?UNCANNY X-FORCE: THE APOCALYPSE SOLUTION collects the first four wild issues of this new ongoing, as well as the 7-paged UNCANNY X-FORCE preview from WOLVERINE: THE ROAD TO HELL. This dynamite first arc establishes Remender as a writer to be reckoned with. The Apocalypse Solution satisfies on all levels, from its gritty and explosive and nuanced storytelling to the striking visuals. Jerome Opeña lays down artwork that is dynamic and creatively staged and wonderfully detailed. I love this art. I love the mood it evokes. Our “heroes” end up making some some very hard choices. The art on that final page on issue #4 is spectacular in how, with no dialogue, it relays the naked, somber emotions stamped on the face of each X-Force member. No merry mutants, they. Not even Deadpool.This trade’s bonus features include several variant covers, several pages which break down the evolution of a comic book page (from script to pencils to graytones to colors), and a 6-paged article chronicling X-Force’s history as a black bag team and its involvement in recent X-Men arcs, beginning with Cerebra’s detection of the birth of Hope.
The Crow: Flesh & Blood
by James Vance, James O’Barr (Illustrator), Alex Maleev (Illustrator)
by James Vance, James O’Barr (Illustrator), Alex Maleev (Illustrator)
Jason Roberts‘s review
Jan 22, 13 · edit
bookshelves: graphic-novels
Recommended for: yes
Read on January 22, 2013, read count: 4
“People once believed that when a person dies, a crow carries their soul to the land of the dead. But sometimes, something so bad happens that a terrible sadness is carried with it and the soul can’t rest. Then sometimes, just sometimes, the crow can bring that soul back to make the wrong things right.”In all the movies, and the original comic by James O’Barr, the Crow has been a man. This is what makes the Crow Flesh and Blood unique; Iris Shaw is the first female Crow. Its a subtle but welcome change to the familiar formula.The Crow Flesh and Blood has a decent storyline that I feel most people would enjoy. Iris Shaw is an officer killed in a bombing but is brought back to seek vengeance for herself… and someone else; her unborn baby! The only issue I have with it is the pacing. To me, it felt like certain parts should’ve been expanded, like during her revival scene. In it, the crow says “Iris– wake up…” which Iris responds to with “You’re telling me I’m a zombie…?” Some additional dialogue here would’ve been beneficial so its not such an awkward exchange. It doesn’t help that the book is just 96 pages long so there’s only so much room for exposition.The art in Flesh and Blood above average to pretty great. Just keep in mind the book is in black and white. I personally have no problem with B&W if thats the original format, but I know some people dislike it. The book itself is a little different than expected. It is about an inch shorter and half-an-inch narrower than a standard comic. (the dimensions are correctly listed, I just didn’t pay attention) It looks like another version of this book is available on Amazon that is full size, but only used copies are available and the cheapest copy is currently over twice as much as what I paid for my copy.All in all, it may not have the emotional resonance of the original, but it is a quick, decent read with some good artwork. The Crow Flesh and Blood is a fine addition to your comic or Crow collection.
Fall of the Sith Empire (Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, #2)
by Kevin J. Anderson, Mark Heike
by Kevin J. Anderson, Mark Heike
Jason Roberts‘s review
Jan 22, 13 · edit
bookshelves: graphic-novels
Recommended for: yes
Read on January 22, 2013, read count: 6
I do not agree with any of the negative past reviews given here. I thought Fall of the Sith Empire was a fitting conclusion to the setup in The Golden Age of the Sith. The information within and its events lead up to other comic and Star Wars storylines. It is told more like a story passed down for generations, a feeling I think the author wanted. In actuality it is a story told from the events known to a young jedi who is now a master. He is later seen, much older, in the Dark lords of the Sith series (the story of Exar Kun).So there is not great detail in points that do not need more info. You are getting the basic story as to what happened and why, and that is great. No one else has tried to tackle this era in the Star Wars history. Also, i think the art work is justified in its rough style. The setting is in the SW past, and the story is not overly detailed; these characteristics lead to a rough look that was very satisfying. It would not be perfect like the Star Wars present and future time periods. People are entitled to their opinions, but I think some missed the point when actually figuring out why elements of the comic where done in certain ways.
Batman R.I.P.
by Grant Morrison, Tony S. Daniel (Illustrator), Sandu Florea (Illustrator), Tony Daniel (Illustrations), Lee Garbett (Illustrations)
by Grant Morrison, Tony S. Daniel (Illustrator), Sandu Florea (Illustrator), Tony Daniel (Illustrations), Lee Garbett (Illustrations)
Jason Roberts‘s review
Jan 22, 13 · edit
bookshelves: graphic-novels
Recommended for: yes
Read on January 22, 2013, read count: 5
My first experience with Grant Morrison’s writing was during his very successful stint helming the JLA. After I bought several compilations, a friend of mine who was much more knowledge of comics than myself, informed me that Morrison was a huge star among comic writers but I found the stories highly unimpressive. Of course my buddy had also once gushed over Rob Liefeld so his taste could sometimes be questionable. Over the years, however, I have grown to realize that Morrison is the real deal not some overrated flash in the pan but like his cohort at DC, Geoff Johns, his quality can vary dramatically. Neither have the consistency of Alan Moore. So is R.I.P a boom or a bust? It is most definitely the former.Batman R.I.P. is an absolute stellar achievement by Grant Morrison. With the release of R.I.P. and All-Star Superman this has been an incredible month for the prolific writer. One complaint I’ve heard about R.I.P. is that it’s very stream of conscious and disorienting and I’ll admit that this kind of story if done wrong can be very taxing. The story is a continuation of the previous collection with the Black Glove unleashing a psychological attack on Batman the likes of which the Dark Knight has never seen. Morrison puts the reader into the mind of Batman as he spirals downward into a dark abyss leaving us nearly as disoriented as Batman himself. Problems occur in these kinds of surreal story when the writer leaves no lifeline for the reader but Morrison skates that fine edge leaving just enough for a reader to latch onto to produce a coherent story. The Joker also plays a fairly substantial role in the story as well as a group of international villains collected by the Black Glove.The last big event comic from DC I read was the Sinestro Wars which was quite good but in my humble opinion R.I.P reaches an even higher level. Sinestro Wars was more sound and fury while R.I.P really gets into the readers head. R.I.P. reaches such a fevered crescendo with Batman charging around in a raggedy red and yellow Batsuit taking advice from Bat Mite screaming that he is the Batman of Zur En Arrh, it just feels as if nothing can even return to the way it was. So many stories have delved into the psychology of Batman but this one seems to take it all the way. The conclusion actually opens far more questions than it answers particularly related to the event that created the Batman, the murder of his parents. Grant Morrison takes everything we know about Batman and turns it on its head.This collection delivers in both writing and visuals and I now put it among the best stories I have read in over 30 years of collecting. Do not pass it up.
Batman: The Killing Joke
by Alan Moore, Brian Bolland (Illustrator)
by Alan Moore, Brian Bolland (Illustrator)
Jason Roberts‘s review
Jan 12, 13 · edit
bookshelves: graphic-novels
Recommended for: YES
Read on January 12, 2013, read count: 6
Many super-heroes came and went through the years, but not one had the staying power that Batman had. Of course, Superman started his career earlier than Batman, and remains the symbol of the super-hero genre; but while in the 80s and 90s Superman gradually became boring and repetitive, Batman reached his peak in the late 80s. Since his first appearance in 1939 Batman constantly changed, taking different forms every decade, and thus in the 80s, the Renaissance of comics, the flexibility of his character enabled every author to make his own Batman. Some of the best and most revolutionary writers and artists in comic art worked with Batman, each giving him something different.The thing that made Batman so flexible and changeable, in my opinion, is the very fact that he and his enemies lack super-powers. Both Batman and his foes are defined not by their powers, their physical strength or their weapons, but by their personalities, by their MOTIVES. The Joker or Two Face, being purely head cases, are to me far more interesting than any enemy Superman or the Green Lantern ever had; and Batman’s own imperfectness and problematic character make him far more interesting than those “super-heroes”.In the late 80s the writers who worked on Batman started studying these subjects more than ever. One of the most fascinating things they realized, is how very similar – in some ways, at least – Batman was to his enemies. Many works from that period worked on that thin line between Batman’s good-guy obsession and his enemies bad-guy insanity, and the unusual relationship between them; most notably Morrison’s ‘Arkham Asylum’, Delano’s ‘Manbat’ and later Alan’s Grant ‘The Last Arkham’.Alan Moore, one of the greatest minds in comic book and graphic novel writing, took that idea to its limits. In all of Moore’s works, he played on very similar ideas – basically, the idea of good and evil. Unlike other great writers like Neil Gaiman and Grant Morrison, Moore makes a point of using very traditional, very mainstream comic book ideas but using them in a very ironic, very criticizing way, exploring the problematic ideas of good-guys and bad-guys. The best example is, of course, ‘Watchmen’, in which he took the idea of the super-hero to disturbing new places, but his ideas also show in his conception of Jack the Ripper in ‘From Hell’ and in his approach to the unusual character of the Swamp Thing.In ‘The Killing Joke’ Moore studied the characters of Batman and the Joker in an unusual way, which is very disturbing to old bat-fans who are used to the good Batman and the bad Joker. The Killing Joke is a disturbing work indeed, a graphic novel which draws you into it like few others do – especially if you read a lot of earlier Batman stories. Reading it you’ll be shocked to find yourself understanding, even feeling pity for the Joker, not long after he crippled Barbara Gordon, than took pictures of her naked and showed them to her father ( No, it’s NOT a book for children. )Strangely and ironically, it presents the Joker more human than ever, and re-defines his personality, his story and the unusual relationship between him and the Batman.The Killing Joke is a graphic novel, meaning that it stands all by itself as a complete work. It needs no introduction, and it doesn’t really matter where it fits in with Batman’s history ( well, except for the Barbara Gordon thing ). From the cover to the back cover, it is one perfectly combined masterpiece, complete with beautiful artwork by the excellent Brian Bolland. Along with Miller’s ‘Dark Knight Returns’ and Morrison’s ‘Arkham Asylum’, The Killing Joke is the most brilliant, most ingenious Batman stories ever written, if not one of the best comic books ever made.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 2
by Alan Moore, Kevin O’Neill (Illustrator)
by Alan Moore, Kevin O’Neill (Illustrator)
Jason Roberts‘s review
Jan 12, 13 · edit
bookshelves: graphic-novels
Recommended for: yes
Read on January 12, 2013, read count: 5
I was quite fascinated with the first volume of “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.” I expected the second volume to be just as fascinating as the first. This time out Alan Moore begins the story on Mars with characters from Edgar Rice Burroughs’ series of Mars books starring John Carter. The creatures leaving Mars are doing so because John Carter and the Martians of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ stories were preparing to deal with them permanently.On Earth we meet with the beloved, though somewhat psychopathic, characters of the first book once again. Similar to Robert Heinlein’s novel “The Puppet Masters,” we see mysterious cylinders land and watch the reaction of the locals. Of course the initial reaction is one of curiosity, as no one suspects the danger presented by those within the cylinder. When the first people die we realize that, just as in the original H.G. Wells novel and in “The Puppet Masters,” that these creatures are will not negotiate, preferring to extinguish us instead.The five central characters, Allan Quartermain, Captain Nemo, Mina Murray, Hawley Griffin, and Edward Hyde, set out to examine the cylinders. After realizing the danger the cylinders impose, M plots a course carefully, eventually leading to the addition of a new character, Dr. Moreau, and a group of creatures endowed by Dr. Moreau with unique attributes. Eventually Dr. Moreau proves critical to the defense of London from the Martians.During the quest for solutions to the Martian menace we discover that one of the five members of the League has betrayed them. This same person attacks Mina, leaving her injured. We also watch as romance develops between Allan Quartermain and Mina Murray, the heroine of “Dracula.” This particular volume features rather risqué images of the lustful couple. Later in the novel, another member of the League will revenge Mina in a most disturbing and brutal way, which may eventually hail the end of the league as we know it.I think this second volume is better than the first volume. Alan Moore was able to capitalize on the character development of the first volume, and thus was able to spend more time on developing the story. Moore also focuses more deeply on the mental problems that each of the characters has, providing the book with two levels of story.The artwork is also better than in the first book. The imagery is detailed and well matches my mental image of Victorian England. Those details relating to the Martians match my recollection of the original H.G. Wells story. The colors used are vibrant and enhance the story, much like lighting is critical in film.I have one minor complaint about the novel. I thought the ending was just a little too quick. Perhaps it was appropriate and it was in keeping with the original story. Certainly Moore was attempting to create some surprise in an ending that most of us already know, and perhaps the speedy ending was necessary to prevent people from guessing the ending. Regardless of the motivation, the transition from the story to the ending seemed a bit abrupt. However, this complaint is minor, and the superb quality of the story outweighs such minor issues.In addition to the principle story, there is a 46 page story about various sights to be seen around the world. Included are various castles, palaces and other interesting locales. For example, there is a detailed discussion of a certain young lady by the name of Alice, who apparently found a portal into another world. There are other descriptions of giants and leprechauns, and where these creatures might be found, and numerous others. The 46 pages are a tour of the world as the “Twilight Zone” might have done it.The second volume of “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” exceeds the first volume in the story and in the artwork. This book is a worthwhile permanent addition to my library, and fans of graphic novels are sure to agree.
Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: The First Death
by Laurell K. Hamilton, Jonathon Green, Jonathan Green (Goodreads Author) (Text), Brett Booth (Text), Wellington Alves (Illustrations)
by Laurell K. Hamilton, Jonathon Green, Jonathan Green (Goodreads Author) (Text), Brett Booth (Text), Wellington Alves (Illustrations)
Jason Roberts‘s review
Jan 12, 13 · edit
bookshelves: graphic-novels
Recommended for: maybe
Read on January 12, 2013, read count: 3
Does it give a whole lot of new information on Anita Blake? No. Is it entertaining? Yes. Come on folks, it’s not like we read Anita Blake for the intellectual stimulation. It’s a thoroughly entertaining vampire fantasy and this graphic novel represents that fairly. I think the illustrations where fitting and interesting. I loved having a little back story on Anita and Jean Claudes first meeting and I enjoyed it. Was I blown away? No. But I wasn’t really expecting to be. I got what I expected…an entertaining story with great illustrations.
Watchmen
by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons (Illustrator), John Higgins (Colorist), Len Wein (Editor)
by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons (Illustrator), John Higgins (Colorist), Len Wein (Editor)
Jason Roberts‘s review
Nov 18, 12 · edit
bookshelves: graphic-novels
Recommended for: yes
Read from November 11 to 18, 2012 — I own a copy, read count: 5
Comic books superheroes are basically fascist vigilantes, with Superman and his dedication to truth, justice and the American way being the exception that proves the rule. Both “Watchmen” and “The Dark Knight Returns,” the two greatest examples of graphic storytelling, deal explicitly with the underlying fear the ordinary citizenry have of the demi-gods they worship. The one inherent advantage that “Watchman” has over Frank Miller’s classic tale is that it requires no knowledge of the existing mythos of its characters because Dr. Manhattan, Ozymandias, Rorschach, Nite Owl, Silk Spectre, the Comedian and the rest of the former members of the Crimebusters.The brainchild of writer Alan Moore (“Swamp Thing,” “V for Vendetta,” “From Hell”) and artist Dave Gibbons (“Rogue Trooper,” “Doctor Who,” “Green Lantern”), “Watchmen” was originally published by DC Comics in twelve issues in 1986-87. Moore and Gibbons won the Best Writer/Artist combination award at the 1987 Jack Kirby Comics Industry Awards ceremony. The central story in “Watchmen” is quite simple: apparently someone is killing off or discrediting the former Crimebusters. The remaining members end up coming together to discover the who and the why behind it all, and the payoff to the mystery is most satisfactory. But what makes “Watchmen” so special is the breadth and depth of both the characters and their respective subplots: Dr. Manhattan dealing with his responsibility to humanity given his god-like powers; Nite Owl having trouble leaving his secret identity behind; Rorschach being examined by a psychiatrist. Each chapter offers a specific focus on one of the characters, yet advances the overall narrative.Beyond that the intricate narrative, Moore and Gibbons offer two additional levels to the story. First, each chapter is followed by a “non-comic” section that develops more of the backstories, such as numerous excerpts from Hollis Mason’s autobiography “Under the Hood” or Professor Mitlon Glass’ “Dr. Manhattan: Super-Powers and the Superpowers,” an interview with Adrian Veidt, or reports from the police files of Walter Joseph Kovacs. Second, almost every issue has scenes from “Tales of the Black Freighter,” a comic-book being read by a kid near a newsstand, which offers an allegorical perspective on the main plot line.”Watchmen” certainly nudged the comics industry in the right direction towards greater sophistication and intelligence, although a full appreciation of its significance is always going to be lost on the bean counters. The Book Club Edition of “Watchmen” offers the teaser: “He’s America’s ultimate weapon . . . and he’s about to desert to Mars.” As a representation of the work as a whole that description is simply stupid, especially since it is followed by a glowing recommendation by Harlan Ellison that concludes “anyone who misses this milestone event in the genre of the fantastic is a myopic dope.” If you ever spent time reading and enjoying any superhero comic book, you will appreciate what you find in “Watchmen.”
The Spirit, Book One by Darwyn CookeMy rating: 5 of 5 starsI’ve always been a fan of the spirit comics and the old EC comics.
Written by Darwyn Cooke and Jeph Loeb; Art by Darwyn Cooke and J. Bone; Cover by Darwyn Cooke – the visionary creator of the acclaimed DC: THE NEW FRONTIER — turns his attention to the classic Will Eisner creation The Spirit in this amazing hardcover collecting the first six issues of the new series from DC Comics plus the BATMAN/THE SPIRIT special! In these thrilling tales. Cooke maintains the “spirit” of Eisner’s creation but brings his own original sensibilities to the character. The Spirit, a.k.a. Denny Colt, Commissioner Dolan, and his Daughter Ellen are reintroduced in this go-for-broke, shoot-the-lights-out collection of crime stories filled with action, adventure, humor and sexy girls!
The first volume of the award-winning series is collected in trade paperback, featuring BATMAN/THE SPIRIT and THE SPIRIT #1-6!
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex: The Lost Memory by Junichi FujisakuMy rating: 5 of 5 starsAn awesome display of story and art working in tandem to lay the reader flat. The art has a kinetic energy that flows through the pages with a power that just sweeps one up. The story, meanwhile, exerts great crossover appeal to fans of the cyber-punk, tech-noir fiction of the likes of Neal Stephenson and William Gibson.In the not-too-distant future of 2032, the frontier dividing humans and machines has been crossed. Crimes comitted by flesh-and-metal cyborgs are investigated by Section 9, an elite counter-terrorist squad run by Chief Aramaki and his cyborg assistant, Major Motoko Kusanagi. Section 9 has faced countless adversaries in the real world and in cyberspace, but none like ‘The Awakened.’ It is believed that this lethal group of terrorists can take over the minds and bodies of almost anyone. Used as tools to commit crimes against the state, the victims are unaware of who or what is controlling them. When Major Kusanagi captures one of the victims, she hacks into his cyberbrain to learn the ringleader’s identity-what she discovers leads her on a journey deep into the heart of cyberspace, a journey that shakes her to the core.
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Volume 2: Revenge of the Cold Machines by Junichi FujisakuMy rating: 5 of 5 starsGhost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex: Revenge of the Cold Machines is a solid addition to anyone’s collection, combining action, mystery, and a serious reflection on what our future might look like in a novel that’s as entertaining and thoughtful to read as any work by writers on this side of the Pacific. The continuing saga of Ghost in the Shell stands alone as an increasingly focused vision of a utopian/dystopian tomorrow irresistably attractive to readers of science fiction and sociology as well as manga and mystery.
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Volume 3: White Maze by Junichi Fujisaku
The Spirit, Book One by Darwyn CookeMy rating: 5 of 5 starsI’ve always been a fan of the spirit comics and the old EC comics.Written by Darwyn Cooke and Jeph Loeb; Art by Darwyn Cooke and J. Bone; Cover by Darwyn Cooke – the visionary creator of the acclaimed DC: THE NEW FRONTIER — turns his attention to the classic Will Eisner creation The Spirit in this amazing hardcover collecting the first six issues of the new series from DC Comics plus the BATMAN/THE SPIRIT special! In these thrilling tales. Cooke maintains the “spirit” of Eisner’s creation but brings his own original sensibilities to the character. The Spirit, a.k.a. Denny Colt, Commissioner Dolan, and his Daughter Ellen are reintroduced in this go-for-broke, shoot-the-lights-out collection of crime stories filled with action, adventure, humor and sexy girls!
The first volume of the award-winning series is collected in trade paperback, featuring BATMAN/THE SPIRIT and THE SPIRIT #1-6!
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex: The Lost Memory by Junichi FujisakuMy rating: 5 of 5 starsAn awesome display of story and art working in tandem to lay the reader flat. The art has a kinetic energy that flows through the pages with a power that just sweeps one up. The story, meanwhile, exerts great crossover appeal to fans of the cyber-punk, tech-noir fiction of the likes of Neal Stephenson and William Gibson.In the not-too-distant future of 2032, the frontier dividing humans and machines has been crossed. Crimes comitted by flesh-and-metal cyborgs are investigated by Section 9, an elite counter-terrorist squad run by Chief Aramaki and his cyborg assistant, Major Motoko Kusanagi. Section 9 has faced countless adversaries in the real world and in cyberspace, but none like ‘The Awakened.’ It is believed that this lethal group of terrorists can take over the minds and bodies of almost anyone. Used as tools to commit crimes against the state, the victims are unaware of who or what is controlling them. When Major Kusanagi captures one of the victims, she hacks into his cyberbrain to learn the ringleader’s identity-what she discovers leads her on a journey deep into the heart of cyberspace, a journey that shakes her to the core.Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Volume 2: Revenge of the Cold Machines by Junichi FujisakuMy rating: 5 of 5 starsGhost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex: Revenge of the Cold Machines is a solid addition to anyone’s collection, combining action, mystery, and a serious reflection on what our future might look like in a novel that’s as entertaining and thoughtful to read as any work by writers on this side of the Pacific. The continuing saga of Ghost in the Shell stands alone as an increasingly focused vision of a utopian/dystopian tomorrow irresistably attractive to readers of science fiction and sociology as well as manga and mystery.Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Volume 3: White Maze by Junichi Fujisaku
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The year is 2030. Advances in robotics and cyberbrain technology have transformed the world into a miraculous place where almost anything is possible–even the melding of humans and machines. In this not-too-distant future, the crimes of flesh and metal are investigated by Section 9, an elite counterterrorist squad headed by Chief Aramaki and his cyborg sidekick, Major Motoko Kusanagi. When dead bodies, drained of blood and with two bite marks on their necks, start turning up on the streets of Tokyo, it isn’t long before the entire city is in a panic. As Major Kusanagi and the other members of Section 9 investigate the killings they begin to wonder–is the killer a real vampire or something much worse? In a dark world of murder, where cyberbrain hacks and treacherous conspiracies reach to the furthest heights of government, Section 9 is all that stands between the people and anarchy.
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