Batman: The Long Halloween - The Review

Batman: The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale

What to say about one of the most well-known and iconic super heroes in the world? Since 1939, Batman has been entertaining fans as 'the world's greatest detective', and that legend lives on in this masterpiece, The Long Halloween. It is a direct sequel to Year One by Frank Miller, which also focused on the crime families of Gotham City, a seldom touched upon subject that is often overshadowed by the better known super villains. Perhaps my favorite part of this entire run is the idea that the villains emerge in Gotham as a direct result of the Batman's presence. It is an idea that has permeated Miller's other works, and has given us the darker, re-imagining of Batman that we see today. If only every comic book series had so much philosophical depth, we'd be in for a real treat.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection Volume 1 - The Review

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection Volume 1 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird
Wise man say, "Forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price for late pizza." Truer words have never been spoken. I must have watched the original TMNT movie hundreds of times as a child, and I try to make it a policy to watch it at least once a year on principal. I could probably quote the whole thing from memory, replaying all the visuals in my head. It is not only one of the best film adaptations of a comic book, but it also holds its own with a compelling story that is astonishingly believable. I've always chalked this up to the fact that the film takes itself seriously. This comic book collection is no different in that respect, and aside from a few key differences, this book left me itching to read more.

Spider-Man: Blue - The Review

Spider-Man: Blue by Jeph Loeb

I want to start by saying, I love Jeph Loeb. He might find that a little creepy, but it's true. I've read many of his books, watched TV shows that he helped produce, and in general have consumed anything and everything creative that he's done since before I knew he existed. For goodness sake the guy wrote Teen Wolf! No, not that show on MTV, but the original one starring Michael J. Fox. I seriously must have watched that movie a thousand times as a kid and never had a clue. He's been a part of my life since I can remember and I want to offer him the sincerest of thank you's. It has been a pleasure thus far Mr. Loeb. I love you, you're work, and can only advise you to keep on doin' what you're doin'.

Pluto - The Review

Pluto by Naoki Urasawa and Osamu Tezuka
 

This manga has one of the most interesting ways of telling a story that I’ve ever seen. It takes a classic manga, Astro Boy: The Greatest Robot on Earth, and turns it into a murder mystery. That’s not an easy thing to do, especially when you are taking on one of the most groundbreaking works in Japanese comic history. It’s a thought-provoking experience. I especially liked the way the robots were written into the story. Some of them are extremely human looking and are even presented as equals to humans. They are built for specific purposes, however they have personalities all their own. Friendship and love are not outside their realm of understanding, and many robots marry and have children. If you are familiar with Osamu Tezuka’s original works, Pluto will be right up your alley. And just in case you aren’t familiar with his work, you’re in luck! It’s not necessary to know anything about the original work to enjoy this series. It’s truly the best of both worlds.

Cardboard - The Review

Cardboard by Doug TenNapel

This graphic novel is very unique from my usual tastes in reading. For starters, I usually don’t stray too far from the standard Marvel or DC comics. Cardboard is neither. It is by the same author who produced “Ghostopolis”, which was on ALA’s Top Ten Graphic Novels for Teens in 2011. I intend to read that book as well if that’s any indication of how much I enjoyed this one. The artwork is great. It’s unique and beautifully colored, and the storyline is incredibly original as well. Seriously, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

Astonishing X-Men: Gifted - The Review

Astonishing X-Men: Gifted by Joss Whedon
 

X-Men is a series I’ve been exposed to since childhood. Growing up, I watched the cartoon constantly. When I got a little older, they started making movies. For better or for worse I am a fan. I love the story. I love the social implications. And most of all, I love how Joss Whedon takes 50 years of X-Men/Marvel history and wraps them all into one easy to read, yet solid story. Seriously this guy doesn’t miss a beat.

Anomaly - The Review

Anomaly by Skip Brittenham

I read this book because Harrison Ford said so. And when Harrison Ford tells you to do something, you do it. I should probably clarify by saying I did not actually speak with the man himself, rather his endorsement of this novel was printed on the box it came in, and it piqued my interest. As soon as this book was on the shelf, I checked it out. There’s something about its size and shape that cannot be ignored, and it’s probably the fact that it’s twice as big as any comic I’ve ever read. If you decide to read it, I recommend clearing some desk space. When you open it completely, it’s over two feet wide. While that may seem pretty big, it pales in comparison to the size of the universe within. We’re talking grand scale, multiple races of alien species, and a detailed history of human kind that’s actually transcribed in the book if you care to check it out. All pretty neat stuff. Did I mention it’s pretty? Maybe pretty is the wrong word. Gorgeous, that’s the word I’m looking for. Each page is beautifully illustrated in full color. Even better, the panels are laid out in intricate ways that could probably be studied for days on end if you had the time. But I digress. Let’s move on to the most important detail of all, the story.