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.

Superman: True Brit - The Review

Superman: True Brit by Kim "Howard" Johnson & John Cleese

I read this book on a whim. I typically look for more seriousness when I read graphic novels, and I thought for once I’d try one out that seemed a little more light-hearted. If you are a fan of intense, action packed comics, you should definitely skip this one. However, if you enjoy seeing your favorite super heroes in alternate realities, this might just be the book for you.

Batman: Year One - The Review

Batman: Year One by Frank Miller

I have a lot to say about this graphic novel. So much in fact that it depresses me to not be able to say it all. If I were to tell you all the things I love about this book, it would absolutely ruin the story, and make it completely pointless for you to read. Every word is poetry, every panel magnificent. It's dark, it's gritty, and most of all it's Batman. Have I ever mentioned how much I love Batman? Okay, I'll admit, I'm quite biased. He happens to be one of my favorite comic book characters, and I don't think that is going to change any time soon. Regardless of our history together, this book is great, and I will do my best to tell you more without spoiling the plot.

Chew Volume One: Taster's Choice - The Review

Chew Volume One: Taster's Choice by John Layman

Let me start by saying this is a book about a guy who can taste the past. Just let that swim around in your brain for a second. You may feel a bit confused, because when I first heard about this book, I was too. Then I heard the rest of the plot and spent the next week locked in my room, contemplating the meaning of life along with all the other profound questions that we associate with existence. Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but this book is sweet and it makes you think. It has an original plot, and with all the books out there that don't contain original plots, I'd say that makes it worth reading all on its own.

The Walking Dead: Book Two - The Review

The Walking Dead: Book Two by Robert Kirkman

It’s been a long time since I’ve read “The Walking Dead”. After being informed of the series’ existence a few years back, I read through the first two trade paperbacks, only to be slightly disappointed by what I was seeing: a lot of dialogue, and very little zombie killing action. I don’t want to say I was turned off entirely by this, but I felt many of the characters were flat, and for all the words on the page there was very little being said. This posed a dilemma for me. Should I continue reading a series that was not captivating my attention? In this case, I'm glad I did.

own the night

Ashes by Ilsa Bick
As Alex goes on a hike to find herself, an electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, changing life as she knows it. Billions of people are dead and the survivors have been altered; some have new abilities, others are no longer even human.

Tithe by Holly Black
Kaye is used to the nomadic life but when after her mom is attacked, they are forced to move back to New Jersey. While there, Kaye finds herself drawn into a battle between two faerie kingdoms.

Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1 - The Review

Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1 by Brian Bednis

Spider-Man has been a long time favorite of mine for many years now. Not because he is such a prominent character in the comic book world, but because his storyline is genuinely interesting. Here we have a guy whose life is riddled with tragedy and death. Peter Parker's parents died when he was young and then...well I won't spoil all the fun. If you've never read Spider-Man before, I've already said too much.

Hulk: Red Hulk - The Review

Hulk: Red Hulk by Jeph Loeb

Recently I did a review for Hulk: Red and Green. At the time, I was unaware that it was part of a series, and I happened to be reading the second book. Soon, I learned the error of my ways and have since read Red Hulk, the first book in this series.

Divergent - Review

Beatrice Prior is sixteen and has to make a tough choice. Years ago there was a terrible war and now society is divided into five different factions, each valuing a specific character trait. Beatrice must take an aptitude test to discover whether she belongs in Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (friendship), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (courage), or Erudite (intelligence). Choosing a faction is the least of her problems. If she fails the initiation, she will be factionless and have no hope for a future. Is she strong enough to handle the consequences of her choices?

A 2012 YALSA Teens' Top Ten nominee.

Hulk: Red and Green Review

Hulk: Red and Green by Jeph Loeb

Until i read this book, I had never read the Hulk before. So with nothing else to compare it to, it's a bit hard to rate this comic. It certainly held my attention, and i was able to finish it in around an hour. Those are both points in which I will praise this book. I will also give it points for embracing the rest of the Marvel universe. There were certainly plenty of characters that made guest appearances. Some of which, I was left wondering who in the heck they were. Maybe that just shows how little I truly know about the comic book universe.

Which Books Make You Say GRRRRRRRR........?

While most selections on this Blog are books that we have loved, its always interesting to also discuss books that have annoyed us for one reason or another. I would say Twilight by Stephenie Meyer was extremely annoying. While Edward had many girls swooning, I found his idea of romance completely irritating. Not all females would enjoy being watched as they sleep. What spells romance to some, spells out STALKING to others.

So I challenge you....what book frustrates you???

if you liked the hunger games...

Kingdom of the Golden Dragon by Isabel Allende
Alexander Cold accompanies his grandmother to a remote village in the Himalayas to help locate a sacred statue.

Beyond the Western Sea (Book I): The Escape From Home by Avi
Maura and her younger brother leave their impoverished Irish village, desperately seeking ship’s passage to America.

classic tales

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
This memoir of a youth is filled with disappointment and tragedy, but leads to hard-won independence.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Fiercely independent Elizabeth engages in a battle of wits with stubborn Mr. Darcy in 19th century England.  Will she ever find love?

Recommended Reading: Deadpool & Cable - Ultimate Collection

Deadpool & Cable: Ultimate Collection by Fabian Nicieza

"Can two grown men armed to the teeth with deadly genetic weaponry live together without driving each other crazy?!" Okay, I didn't write that, I read it on the back of this book. But doesn't that sound pretty cool though?