In Chapter Seven, I mentioned that I'd picked up some classic paperbacks at a book sale at my local library. Well, I've actually read 2 of them since then, and my opinion can be found below. I also added 2 more libraries to my weekly search, which brought in 2 more books, one of which will also be mentioned below. Finally, there are 2 new Sherlock Holmes items to discuss, so dive in....
Series
The Death of an Irish Tradition - Bartholomew Gill ($6.99/$.50, 335 pages, copyright 1979, paperback)
This is the first of the Gill series that I've read, though not the first chronologically. It features Chief Inspector Peter McGarr, and his staff of underlings, and deals with e murder tied in to the Dublin Horse Show. The descriptions of Dublin and it's environs, as well as the Irish (upper and lower class) bring it all to life. McGarr is an interesting and at times amusing character, as are his subordinates. My only beef is that there are too many "Mc" or "Mac" characters which confused things for me (although I imagine it's really like that in Dublin). I enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous
Slaughterhouse Five - Kurt Vonnegut ($6.99/$.25, 215 pages, copyright 1969, paperback)
Billed as one of the world's greatest anti-war books (another of which "Johnny Got His Gun" was just added to The Pile), I remember reading this back in the early 70's. It is the life story of Billy Pilgrim who is unstuck in time. He lives moment-to-moment, though not in any chronological sense. The scenes about Dresden ring true, because Vonnegut actually lived them. I remember the movie, vaguely, and would like to see it again. I certainly enjoyed reading it again.
A Clockwork Orange - Anthony Burgess ($1.25/$.25, 191 pages, copyright 1962, paperback)
Again, I remember reading this back in the early 70's, but I don't remember whether I saw the movie ( X Rated) first, or read the book. Whichever, I found myself visualizing the scenes as I read, including seeing Malcolm McDowell as Alex. A version of a future England, where youth and its violence meets government and its retribution. I'm pretty sure I used the glossary the first time in order to understand the slang. This time, I read it right through, picking up the meanings by the content. Either way, I enjoyed it.
Sherlock Holmes
The Veiled Detective - David Stuart Davies ($9.95/ Gift Card, 246 pages, copyright 2004, Trade Paperback)
I have to admit that I was put off by this book at first. Having read the first 2 chapters, the author, to my mind, was taking too many liberties with the Canon (the original stories). On second thought, I realized that what he's changed are aspects outside of the Canon and, therefore, fair game. The book deals with the early years, from the start of the Holmes/Watson partnership, up to "The Final Problem", giving Watson a back story I didn't like, and bringing in Moriarty too early. It's OK, but not my cup of Holmes. That said, on to...
Movies/DVD
Sherlock Holmes
There was a lot of hype about this movie when it premiered last year and being a fan of Robert Downey, Jr. and Sherlock Holmes, I almost went myself. Instead, I finally got to see it on DVD. I'm glad I waited. As movies go, it was like watching Gibson and Glover in a Victorian "Lethal Weapon". As an ACTION movie, it's enjoyable if you suspend belief for a while, which I love to do. But as a Holmes movie....? Not so much. There are references to stories in the Canon, some taken almost word-for-word. Jude Law makes for a good Watson, and Downey plays up the eccentricities of Holmes, yet he doesn't ring quite true to me. He brings out the physicality of the character, something not seen so often, but he doesn't "look" the part. The villain (Mark Strong) looks more like the Holmes that I know, which was very distracting to me. And, finally, I had trouble at times understanding him, although he did maintain his accent all the way through. I can only rate it as OK.
Keep Reading!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Special Insert 2
I was going to hold off on this for another day or so, until I'd read a few more things, but something happened that makes me want to do this today.
Two weeks ago we celebrated Free Comic Book Day. This was the first one I visited a store on, although it's been going on for years. The publishers and their offerings were:
Marvel - Iron Man/Thor An excellent little story by Matt Fraction and John Romita, Jr. on how to deal with people who want the moon.
Dark Horse - Doctor Solar/Magnus - Two separate stories scripted by Jim Shooter bringing back some old Valiant characters for some new fans, hopefully.
DC - War of the Supermen - James Robinson and Sterling Gates bring newcomers up-to-date with what's been going on with Superman.
Dynamite - Green Hornet - Five little vignettes teasing readers with the titles currently issued by this publisher dealing with another Golden Age hero who had a TV series back in to 60's. One of these is based on Kevin Smith's script (unused) for the upcoming movie.
As you can see, they didn't dump some old reprints on us, so look forward to next year like I will.
Trade Editions
Batman R. I. P. - Grant Morrison, writer, and Tony Daniel etal, artists ($29.99/30% coupon, Batman 676 - 683 and DC Universe 0, copyright 2008, Hard Cover Trade)
I already read Final Crisis, so I knew what happened to Batman because of it. I wanted to see how the regular book handled it. A pretty good story, showing off Batman's skills and Joker's insanity, but it jumps around a lot without explaining what happened. (Come on - we all know he's nor really dead.) I enjoyed it though.
Wolverine, Old Man Logan - Mark Millar, writer, and Steve McNiven, artist ($34.99/30% coupon, Wolverine 66 - 72 and Giant Size Old Man Logan, copyright 2008, Hard Cover Trade)
There was a lot of hype about this series as it was being issued, so when it came out as a trade I was looking forward to it. I tried waiting for the soft cover, hoping to get it cheaper but no dice. It's an interesting sort of What If scenario that has the heroes having been beaten by the villains and Logan dealing with how his life in this future pans out. I won't give anything away. There are some interesting touches, some disturbing scenes, but ultimately I was disappointed. To me, it didn't live up to the hype. It was OK.
First Wave
My original understanding of these was that DC was going back to before there were SUPER people, or metahumans as they call them. The preview I saw mentioned Batman, Doc Savage, and the Spirit. I've just read the one-shot prelim and the first 2 issues each of the First Wave mini, and the Doc Savage ongoing. NOTE: Batman has been around forever, and the Spirit has been riding a recent relaunch. For all of you out there who don't know Doc Savage, or Justice, Inc. for that matter, they are products of the Pulps magazines from the 30's and 40's. There's an old saying that a picture is worth 1,000 words. That holds true for Pulps versus comics. For every illustrated panel in a comic there were at least 1,000 words in a Pulp, since the writers got paid by the word.
Doc Savage, the Man of Bronze, was the ideal man - a "super" man, if you will - who was a perfect physical and intellectual specimen. He was joined on his adventures by 5 other men, each of whom had a particular field of expertise. It was kind of science-fictiony. Justice, Inc. featured The Avenger - Richard Benson - who was traumatized by the death of his family into meting out justice (in many cases lethally) to evildoers. He was gray-haired and gray-skinned, and so traumatized that he couldn't move his face or show emotion unless he was disguised as someone else.
Both of these characters were attributed to Kenneth Robeson, a House Name owned by the publisher so that they could solicit stories from anyone and every writer was expendable. Actually, Lester Dent is considered to be the main Doc Savage writer, and Paul Ernst the main one on Justice, Inc. No one is credited in the First Wave series, although Bob Kane for Batman and Will Eisner for the Spirit are front and center.
Batman/Doc Savage Special - Brian Azzarello, writer and Phil Noto, artist ($4.99)
As an intro to the miniseries, this isn't too bad. We get to see Batman meet up with Doc Savage, and get some insight into how Azzarello sees them. The "case" - a murder - isn't that interesting, though. There's also a behind-the-scenes section that introduces other characters who'll be making appearances in the mini. Very Interesting.
Doc Savage - Paul Malmont, writer, Howard Porter, artist. ($3.99)
This mag includes a backup feature called Justice, Inc. I've read the first 2 issues, and I like the Justice, Inc. story better, so far. Doc's is about someone trying to get to him and his friends. Justice, Inc. involves the kidnapping of one of the Avenger's men. All of the expected supporting characters are here, the timeline is right in that they take place in the 40's, and hopefully both story lines will improve. I do take offense at them using 5 pages from each mag to "preview" other comics, though. I feel like I'm being ripped off. Interesting.
First Wave - Brian Azzarello, writer and Rags Morales, artist ($3.99)
I've read the first 2 issues here, also, and find this more satisfying. First off, it's the whole mag, no backup story and no previews. The characters are well defined, and the supporting casts are there. They've even brought in some other characters familiar to the timeline such as the Blackhawks (though these are not your father's Blackhawks). Doc starts it off, the Spirit comes in, and Batman makes a brief appearance in issue 2. I enjoyed these.
The reason I wanted to write this now is that I just found out that Frank Frazetta passed away Monday, May 10th, at the age of 82. I owe my vision of what Tarzan, John Carter of Mars, Conan the Barbarian, and so many other fantasy heroes look like to Frank's imagination as translated by his brushes. Sometimes, it was his covers alone that attracted me to a book. Thanks, Frank, for a lot of great memories. God Speed!
Keep reading.
Two weeks ago we celebrated Free Comic Book Day. This was the first one I visited a store on, although it's been going on for years. The publishers and their offerings were:
Marvel - Iron Man/Thor An excellent little story by Matt Fraction and John Romita, Jr. on how to deal with people who want the moon.
Dark Horse - Doctor Solar/Magnus - Two separate stories scripted by Jim Shooter bringing back some old Valiant characters for some new fans, hopefully.
DC - War of the Supermen - James Robinson and Sterling Gates bring newcomers up-to-date with what's been going on with Superman.
Dynamite - Green Hornet - Five little vignettes teasing readers with the titles currently issued by this publisher dealing with another Golden Age hero who had a TV series back in to 60's. One of these is based on Kevin Smith's script (unused) for the upcoming movie.
As you can see, they didn't dump some old reprints on us, so look forward to next year like I will.
Trade Editions
Batman R. I. P. - Grant Morrison, writer, and Tony Daniel etal, artists ($29.99/30% coupon, Batman 676 - 683 and DC Universe 0, copyright 2008, Hard Cover Trade)
I already read Final Crisis, so I knew what happened to Batman because of it. I wanted to see how the regular book handled it. A pretty good story, showing off Batman's skills and Joker's insanity, but it jumps around a lot without explaining what happened. (Come on - we all know he's nor really dead.) I enjoyed it though.
Wolverine, Old Man Logan - Mark Millar, writer, and Steve McNiven, artist ($34.99/30% coupon, Wolverine 66 - 72 and Giant Size Old Man Logan, copyright 2008, Hard Cover Trade)
There was a lot of hype about this series as it was being issued, so when it came out as a trade I was looking forward to it. I tried waiting for the soft cover, hoping to get it cheaper but no dice. It's an interesting sort of What If scenario that has the heroes having been beaten by the villains and Logan dealing with how his life in this future pans out. I won't give anything away. There are some interesting touches, some disturbing scenes, but ultimately I was disappointed. To me, it didn't live up to the hype. It was OK.
First Wave
My original understanding of these was that DC was going back to before there were SUPER people, or metahumans as they call them. The preview I saw mentioned Batman, Doc Savage, and the Spirit. I've just read the one-shot prelim and the first 2 issues each of the First Wave mini, and the Doc Savage ongoing. NOTE: Batman has been around forever, and the Spirit has been riding a recent relaunch. For all of you out there who don't know Doc Savage, or Justice, Inc. for that matter, they are products of the Pulps magazines from the 30's and 40's. There's an old saying that a picture is worth 1,000 words. That holds true for Pulps versus comics. For every illustrated panel in a comic there were at least 1,000 words in a Pulp, since the writers got paid by the word.
Doc Savage, the Man of Bronze, was the ideal man - a "super" man, if you will - who was a perfect physical and intellectual specimen. He was joined on his adventures by 5 other men, each of whom had a particular field of expertise. It was kind of science-fictiony. Justice, Inc. featured The Avenger - Richard Benson - who was traumatized by the death of his family into meting out justice (in many cases lethally) to evildoers. He was gray-haired and gray-skinned, and so traumatized that he couldn't move his face or show emotion unless he was disguised as someone else.
Both of these characters were attributed to Kenneth Robeson, a House Name owned by the publisher so that they could solicit stories from anyone and every writer was expendable. Actually, Lester Dent is considered to be the main Doc Savage writer, and Paul Ernst the main one on Justice, Inc. No one is credited in the First Wave series, although Bob Kane for Batman and Will Eisner for the Spirit are front and center.
Batman/Doc Savage Special - Brian Azzarello, writer and Phil Noto, artist ($4.99)
As an intro to the miniseries, this isn't too bad. We get to see Batman meet up with Doc Savage, and get some insight into how Azzarello sees them. The "case" - a murder - isn't that interesting, though. There's also a behind-the-scenes section that introduces other characters who'll be making appearances in the mini. Very Interesting.
Doc Savage - Paul Malmont, writer, Howard Porter, artist. ($3.99)
This mag includes a backup feature called Justice, Inc. I've read the first 2 issues, and I like the Justice, Inc. story better, so far. Doc's is about someone trying to get to him and his friends. Justice, Inc. involves the kidnapping of one of the Avenger's men. All of the expected supporting characters are here, the timeline is right in that they take place in the 40's, and hopefully both story lines will improve. I do take offense at them using 5 pages from each mag to "preview" other comics, though. I feel like I'm being ripped off. Interesting.
First Wave - Brian Azzarello, writer and Rags Morales, artist ($3.99)
I've read the first 2 issues here, also, and find this more satisfying. First off, it's the whole mag, no backup story and no previews. The characters are well defined, and the supporting casts are there. They've even brought in some other characters familiar to the timeline such as the Blackhawks (though these are not your father's Blackhawks). Doc starts it off, the Spirit comes in, and Batman makes a brief appearance in issue 2. I enjoyed these.
The reason I wanted to write this now is that I just found out that Frank Frazetta passed away Monday, May 10th, at the age of 82. I owe my vision of what Tarzan, John Carter of Mars, Conan the Barbarian, and so many other fantasy heroes look like to Frank's imagination as translated by his brushes. Sometimes, it was his covers alone that attracted me to a book. Thanks, Frank, for a lot of great memories. God Speed!
Keep reading.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Chapter Seven
Some interesting stuff this time around so lets get right into it..............
Non-Fiction
I decided to add this as a separate category, since I seem to be finding more and more non-fiction that piques my curiosity. I even have a biography back there in THE PILE somewhere that I'll get to eventually.
The Portable Obituary - Michael Largo ($14.95/$2.50, 273 pages, copyright 2007, Trade Paperback) Come on - who doesn't want to know how famous (and some not so famous) people died. This is an alphabetical listing of Presidents and Kings, Writers and Entertainers, and others who may be familiar to you. There's also some interesting information on how certain musicians died in similar fashions, and how TV show cast members passed on. Interesting.
One Up Trivia - Ken Weber ($9.95/$2.50, 205 pages, copyright 2006, Trade Paperback) Here's something interesting, a book that asks the next question. For example, we all know that the Wright Brothers made the first flight but..Which one flew the plane? It's set up in several categories such as Classic Movies, Sports, Weirdness, etc., some of which attracted me immediately. Interesting.
Series
Promise Me - Harlan Coben ($9.99/$.50, 489 pages, copyright 2006, Paperback) I'm pretty sure I've written about a Coben book before. He bases all of his novels in New Jersey, and once in a while I actually recognize something he mentions. This is one of his Myron Bolitar books. Myron was a Sports Agent who had expanded his business to include other celebrities. This book has nothing to do with them. It's more a personal situation that causes Myron to reconsider what he does on the side - help other people. It raises questions about just how far a parent will go for his/her child. I enjoyed it.
Sherlock Holmes
Son of Holmes - John Lescroart ($14.00/$7.50, 243 pages, copyright 1986, Trade Paperback) I found this in a second-hand store in Metuchen. Not only is it about Holmes (a hobby of mine) but it's written by Lescroat who I'm a big fan of (he writes the Dismas Hardy books). This takes place in France during the early years of WW2 and involves espionage (peripherally) and murder. Once I got it - who the Son of Holmes is - the book became even more enjoyable. There have been rumors in the past. I enjoyed it.
The Sherlock Holmes Handbook - Ransom Riggs ($16.95, 221 pages, copyright 2009, Hard Cover) This book touches on all the various aspects of Holmes life and career, with the added pleasure of instructing the reader on how to use these to become an investigator on his own. I enjoyed it.
Extra Note:
My local library held a book sale over this passed weekend. I went Friday and brought home copies of The Maltese Falcon, A Clockwork Orange, and Slaugther-house Five all for a grand total of $.75. You can't beat it. I'm looking forward to reading these again.
That's it for now. Keep Reading!
Non-Fiction
I decided to add this as a separate category, since I seem to be finding more and more non-fiction that piques my curiosity. I even have a biography back there in THE PILE somewhere that I'll get to eventually.
The Portable Obituary - Michael Largo ($14.95/$2.50, 273 pages, copyright 2007, Trade Paperback) Come on - who doesn't want to know how famous (and some not so famous) people died. This is an alphabetical listing of Presidents and Kings, Writers and Entertainers, and others who may be familiar to you. There's also some interesting information on how certain musicians died in similar fashions, and how TV show cast members passed on. Interesting.
One Up Trivia - Ken Weber ($9.95/$2.50, 205 pages, copyright 2006, Trade Paperback) Here's something interesting, a book that asks the next question. For example, we all know that the Wright Brothers made the first flight but..Which one flew the plane? It's set up in several categories such as Classic Movies, Sports, Weirdness, etc., some of which attracted me immediately. Interesting.
Series
Promise Me - Harlan Coben ($9.99/$.50, 489 pages, copyright 2006, Paperback) I'm pretty sure I've written about a Coben book before. He bases all of his novels in New Jersey, and once in a while I actually recognize something he mentions. This is one of his Myron Bolitar books. Myron was a Sports Agent who had expanded his business to include other celebrities. This book has nothing to do with them. It's more a personal situation that causes Myron to reconsider what he does on the side - help other people. It raises questions about just how far a parent will go for his/her child. I enjoyed it.
Sherlock Holmes
Son of Holmes - John Lescroart ($14.00/$7.50, 243 pages, copyright 1986, Trade Paperback) I found this in a second-hand store in Metuchen. Not only is it about Holmes (a hobby of mine) but it's written by Lescroat who I'm a big fan of (he writes the Dismas Hardy books). This takes place in France during the early years of WW2 and involves espionage (peripherally) and murder. Once I got it - who the Son of Holmes is - the book became even more enjoyable. There have been rumors in the past. I enjoyed it.
The Sherlock Holmes Handbook - Ransom Riggs ($16.95, 221 pages, copyright 2009, Hard Cover) This book touches on all the various aspects of Holmes life and career, with the added pleasure of instructing the reader on how to use these to become an investigator on his own. I enjoyed it.
Extra Note:
My local library held a book sale over this passed weekend. I went Friday and brought home copies of The Maltese Falcon, A Clockwork Orange, and Slaugther-house Five all for a grand total of $.75. You can't beat it. I'm looking forward to reading these again.
That's it for now. Keep Reading!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Chapter Six
Spring is here, and I've got some interesting stuff to tell you about - including a couple of Holy Crap Look What I found items.
Series
The Girl in the Plain Brown Wrapper - John D. MacDonald (256 pages, $4.95/$.50, copyright 1968, Paperback)
The first of the Holy Crap items - a Travis McGee novel! I haven't seen one of these in about 30 years. McGee is still the salvager with a past, who does things when he needs the money, usually. This time he does his thing for someone he once knew. He meddles, he takes his lumps, and he figures it out. And he gets the girl. I enjoyed it.
Murder on the Eiffel Tower! - Claude Izmer (286 pages, $23.93/$.50, copyright 2003, Trade paperback)
This is supposed to be the first in a series centering on a bookseller in Paris in the late 1800's, along with his oriental partner/father figure, clerk, and mistresses. The method of the murder is interesting, as is the murderer, but I would've liked a little more historical information. After all this is set during the exhibition when the Tower was opened to the public, and Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Circus were there. OK.
A Catskill Eagle -Robert B. Parker (368 pages, $4.95/$.50, copyright 1985, Paperback)
Spenser at his best. Hawke is in jail, and Susan is in trouble. All of the usual comfortable characters help them out on both coasts. I enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous
You Don't Love Me Yet - Jonathan Lethem (224 pages, $24.95/$.25, copyright 2007, Hard Cover)
If you've been reading this blog, you may remember that back in Chapter One I enthused over Lethem's Motherless Brooklyn. This is totally different. The alternative rock scene in Los Angeles, with the band mates, their day jobs, and a Complainer. I tried for about 50 pages but lost interest, even though the way Lethem writes is very entertaining. Back on the pile.
Bored of the Rings - The Harvard Lampoon (Henry N. Beard and Douglas C. Kenney) (160 pages, $1.00/$.50, copyright 1969, Paperback)
You read that title right. This is the second Holy Crap item, a spoof of The Lord of the Rings. I read this back in 1969, after having read the Trilogy. I still found myself laughing out loud at some of the inventive things the Lampooners came up with. It does drag from time to time, since they do tend to overdo it. But then again, so did Tolkien. I enjoyed it.
Comics
Kick-Ass - Mark Millar (writer) and John Romita, Jr. (penciller) (Issues 1 - 8, $24.99/30% off coupon, Copyright 2010, Hard Cover Trade Edition)
This has been made into a movie that opens soon, so I was very curious about it. Simply, it's about the real world, and what happens when a young man attempts to become a "superhero" in it. It's very graphic, and very interesting. But it's only one man's opinion as to how the world would react. I enjoyed it.
That's it for now.
Read on!
Series
The Girl in the Plain Brown Wrapper - John D. MacDonald (256 pages, $4.95/$.50, copyright 1968, Paperback)
The first of the Holy Crap items - a Travis McGee novel! I haven't seen one of these in about 30 years. McGee is still the salvager with a past, who does things when he needs the money, usually. This time he does his thing for someone he once knew. He meddles, he takes his lumps, and he figures it out. And he gets the girl. I enjoyed it.
Murder on the Eiffel Tower! - Claude Izmer (286 pages, $23.93/$.50, copyright 2003, Trade paperback)
This is supposed to be the first in a series centering on a bookseller in Paris in the late 1800's, along with his oriental partner/father figure, clerk, and mistresses. The method of the murder is interesting, as is the murderer, but I would've liked a little more historical information. After all this is set during the exhibition when the Tower was opened to the public, and Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Circus were there. OK.
A Catskill Eagle -Robert B. Parker (368 pages, $4.95/$.50, copyright 1985, Paperback)
Spenser at his best. Hawke is in jail, and Susan is in trouble. All of the usual comfortable characters help them out on both coasts. I enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous
You Don't Love Me Yet - Jonathan Lethem (224 pages, $24.95/$.25, copyright 2007, Hard Cover)
If you've been reading this blog, you may remember that back in Chapter One I enthused over Lethem's Motherless Brooklyn. This is totally different. The alternative rock scene in Los Angeles, with the band mates, their day jobs, and a Complainer. I tried for about 50 pages but lost interest, even though the way Lethem writes is very entertaining. Back on the pile.
Bored of the Rings - The Harvard Lampoon (Henry N. Beard and Douglas C. Kenney) (160 pages, $1.00/$.50, copyright 1969, Paperback)
You read that title right. This is the second Holy Crap item, a spoof of The Lord of the Rings. I read this back in 1969, after having read the Trilogy. I still found myself laughing out loud at some of the inventive things the Lampooners came up with. It does drag from time to time, since they do tend to overdo it. But then again, so did Tolkien. I enjoyed it.
Comics
Kick-Ass - Mark Millar (writer) and John Romita, Jr. (penciller) (Issues 1 - 8, $24.99/30% off coupon, Copyright 2010, Hard Cover Trade Edition)
This has been made into a movie that opens soon, so I was very curious about it. Simply, it's about the real world, and what happens when a young man attempts to become a "superhero" in it. It's very graphic, and very interesting. But it's only one man's opinion as to how the world would react. I enjoyed it.
That's it for now.
Read on!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Special Insert
Soooo, I have the use of a computer all day today and since I've read a lot of comic book stuff these last few days, I think it's time for a Special Insert.
Comics
Defenders - Keith Giffins and J. M. DeMatteis writers; Kevin Maguire, penciler. ($19.99/$6.98, copyright 2006, Hard Cover)
If you recognize the names then you know that this is the same creative team that is "famous" for the Justice League International phenomena. This Hard Cover edition includes all 5 issues of their take on the Marvel Super team. It's a typical Earth-in-danger-by-mystic-forces tale where Doctor Strange rounds up Namor, the Hulk, and tries for the Silver Surfer. What makes this one great is Namor telling Strange he sounds like bad Shakespeare, and the remarkable facial expressions that Maguire draws. I enjoyed it.
Batman: Gotham After Midnight - Steve Niles, writer and Kelley Jones, artist ($19.99/Gift Card, Copyright 2009, Trade Edition)
This edition includes all 12 issues in the miniseries. Here Batman faces off against several of his usual villains while trying to figure out who's really behind everything. A good story made better by a good part for Bruce Wayne (for a change) and an involved Alfred. I enjoyed it.
Showcase Presents: Sgt. Rock - Robert Kanigher, writer and Joe Kubert, artist (for the most part) (543 pages, $16.99/30% off coupon, Copyright 2007, Trade Edition)
Included here are sort of an origin story from the January, 1959 issue of GI Combat and the Easy Company stories from Our Army At War dating from April, 1959 to April, 1962. All of these tales revolve around DC's WW2 hero. I remember them fondly, but unfortunately they tend to drag when you read them all at once. Rock finds a way out, Rock teaches a lesson, Rock overcomes wounds. That's pretty much it. It's OK, but I recommend reading a few stories at a time.
In the last chapter, 5 I think, I ran on about my problem with single issue purchasing. Briefly, I had to wait months before I was finally able to pick up the last issue of the Flash:Reborn initial story arc. I got last Thursday so I should be happy, but I'm not. The story was OK, and sets up an ongoing, but my gripe now is with the number of pages devoted to the story. I didn't look back at the first 4 issues, but issues 5 and 6 came with excerpts of other DC upcoming specials each numbering about 5 pages. This means that I got 5 less pages of story and artwork for the comic I was buying. That just doesn't seem fair.
Keep reading.
Comics
Defenders - Keith Giffins and J. M. DeMatteis writers; Kevin Maguire, penciler. ($19.99/$6.98, copyright 2006, Hard Cover)
If you recognize the names then you know that this is the same creative team that is "famous" for the Justice League International phenomena. This Hard Cover edition includes all 5 issues of their take on the Marvel Super team. It's a typical Earth-in-danger-by-mystic-forces tale where Doctor Strange rounds up Namor, the Hulk, and tries for the Silver Surfer. What makes this one great is Namor telling Strange he sounds like bad Shakespeare, and the remarkable facial expressions that Maguire draws. I enjoyed it.
Batman: Gotham After Midnight - Steve Niles, writer and Kelley Jones, artist ($19.99/Gift Card, Copyright 2009, Trade Edition)
This edition includes all 12 issues in the miniseries. Here Batman faces off against several of his usual villains while trying to figure out who's really behind everything. A good story made better by a good part for Bruce Wayne (for a change) and an involved Alfred. I enjoyed it.
Showcase Presents: Sgt. Rock - Robert Kanigher, writer and Joe Kubert, artist (for the most part) (543 pages, $16.99/30% off coupon, Copyright 2007, Trade Edition)
Included here are sort of an origin story from the January, 1959 issue of GI Combat and the Easy Company stories from Our Army At War dating from April, 1959 to April, 1962. All of these tales revolve around DC's WW2 hero. I remember them fondly, but unfortunately they tend to drag when you read them all at once. Rock finds a way out, Rock teaches a lesson, Rock overcomes wounds. That's pretty much it. It's OK, but I recommend reading a few stories at a time.
In the last chapter, 5 I think, I ran on about my problem with single issue purchasing. Briefly, I had to wait months before I was finally able to pick up the last issue of the Flash:Reborn initial story arc. I got last Thursday so I should be happy, but I'm not. The story was OK, and sets up an ongoing, but my gripe now is with the number of pages devoted to the story. I didn't look back at the first 4 issues, but issues 5 and 6 came with excerpts of other DC upcoming specials each numbering about 5 pages. This means that I got 5 less pages of story and artwork for the comic I was buying. That just doesn't seem fair.
Keep reading.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Chapter Five
OK, it's been a strange month full of good news and bad. It looks like this chapter is going to fall into the same categories as well.
Miscellaneous
The London Pigeon Wars - Patrick Neate (323 pages, $24.00/$.50, copyright 2003, Hard Cover) One of the blurbs on the jacket compared Neate's use of language to "A Clockwork Orange", so I bought it. My mistake. It was interesting at first, a group of 30-something Brits bemoaning their lives meets up with a friend from 20 years passed and plan a bank robbery, interspersed by section narrated by a pigeon involved in the War. Unfortunately, it got too involved with the language, and I began to lose interest towards the end. OK.
The Worst-Case Survival Handbook - Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht (176 pages, No price marked/$.25, copyright 1999, Soft Cover) Definitely worst-case! I can't see anyone who grew up in the Bronx ever being in any of these situations. I'll help you out - in the situation involving wild animals - STAY AWAY! No opinion, since it's not a novel.
Series
PlayBack - Raymond Chandler (168 pages, $2.25/$.50, copyright 1958, Paperback) This should go under the heading of "Holy Crap! Look what I found! Philip Marlowe! What more could you want. Marlowe is the archetype for all the wise-cracking, hard as nails PIs that came after him. This one is no real mystery just classic Marlowe doggedly getting at the truth. Enjoyed it.
Downside to Library Shopping
Yes, there are two drawbacks to library shopping, and they are perfectly illustrated by the following:
Everglades - Randy Wayne White (351 pages, $7.99/$.50, copyright 2003, Paperback) To paraphrase the Stones - You can't always like what you get. I could see where this one was going after 94 pages (about 1/4 of the way through). The main character is a Marine Biologist with a past, and the action hadn't even left his boat. I've got too many other books piled up to keep struggling with one. Back on the Pile.
Person or Persons Unknown - Bruce Alexander (325 pages, $5.99/$.50, copyright 1997, Paperback) Draw back number 2. I read it already. This is part of a series, and I wasn't sure I'd read it, but I had. Nevertheless, it's a great series centered on Sir John Fielding (brother to Henry Fielding of "Tom Jones" fame), who was the blind magistrate who started the Bow Street Runners in London. Excellent period piece, and a good mystery to boot.
Comic Books
The Brave and the Bold: The Book of Destiny - Mark Waid (writer), George Perez and Jerry Ordway (pencils) ($12.99/30 percent off coupon, copyright 2008, Hard Cover) This volume includes issues 7 through 12 of the individual comic. I bought it because in addition to the usual superheroes (i.e., Superman, Wonder Woman, etc.) on the cover, there were - THE CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN -one of my favorite groups ever, and sadly underused for most of the last decade. Anyway, there were some different pairings, and some unusual situations not normally found in a team-up book. To tease you into looking for this it included The Doom Patrol, and the BlackHawks along with The Flash and Green Lantern. Enjoyed it.
Now, a reason for buying comics in Trade Editions. When I was a kid, you'd get your dose of your favorite superhero monthly. Each issue was a stand alone adventure, and it was an Event if there was a two-parter or a cross-over. Nowadays, most story lines run in 6-issue arcs. I was lucky to get the first 3 issues of the recent Flash:Reborn series from my brother. This was back in August. Now all I had to do was collect the last 3 issues of the arc, and I'd have the whole set. It's now March, 7 months later and I'm still waiting for issue number 6 - THE LAST ISSUE - to come out. The guy in the store said maybe next week. This is why I usually wait for the Trade to come out. No muss, no fuss.
ALSO, for anyone who actually reads this, I finally started the jigsaw puzzle from Christmas.
Talk to you later.
Miscellaneous
The London Pigeon Wars - Patrick Neate (323 pages, $24.00/$.50, copyright 2003, Hard Cover) One of the blurbs on the jacket compared Neate's use of language to "A Clockwork Orange", so I bought it. My mistake. It was interesting at first, a group of 30-something Brits bemoaning their lives meets up with a friend from 20 years passed and plan a bank robbery, interspersed by section narrated by a pigeon involved in the War. Unfortunately, it got too involved with the language, and I began to lose interest towards the end. OK.
The Worst-Case Survival Handbook - Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht (176 pages, No price marked/$.25, copyright 1999, Soft Cover) Definitely worst-case! I can't see anyone who grew up in the Bronx ever being in any of these situations. I'll help you out - in the situation involving wild animals - STAY AWAY! No opinion, since it's not a novel.
Series
PlayBack - Raymond Chandler (168 pages, $2.25/$.50, copyright 1958, Paperback) This should go under the heading of "Holy Crap! Look what I found! Philip Marlowe! What more could you want. Marlowe is the archetype for all the wise-cracking, hard as nails PIs that came after him. This one is no real mystery just classic Marlowe doggedly getting at the truth. Enjoyed it.
Downside to Library Shopping
Yes, there are two drawbacks to library shopping, and they are perfectly illustrated by the following:
Everglades - Randy Wayne White (351 pages, $7.99/$.50, copyright 2003, Paperback) To paraphrase the Stones - You can't always like what you get. I could see where this one was going after 94 pages (about 1/4 of the way through). The main character is a Marine Biologist with a past, and the action hadn't even left his boat. I've got too many other books piled up to keep struggling with one. Back on the Pile.
Person or Persons Unknown - Bruce Alexander (325 pages, $5.99/$.50, copyright 1997, Paperback) Draw back number 2. I read it already. This is part of a series, and I wasn't sure I'd read it, but I had. Nevertheless, it's a great series centered on Sir John Fielding (brother to Henry Fielding of "Tom Jones" fame), who was the blind magistrate who started the Bow Street Runners in London. Excellent period piece, and a good mystery to boot.
Comic Books
The Brave and the Bold: The Book of Destiny - Mark Waid (writer), George Perez and Jerry Ordway (pencils) ($12.99/30 percent off coupon, copyright 2008, Hard Cover) This volume includes issues 7 through 12 of the individual comic. I bought it because in addition to the usual superheroes (i.e., Superman, Wonder Woman, etc.) on the cover, there were - THE CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN -one of my favorite groups ever, and sadly underused for most of the last decade. Anyway, there were some different pairings, and some unusual situations not normally found in a team-up book. To tease you into looking for this it included The Doom Patrol, and the BlackHawks along with The Flash and Green Lantern. Enjoyed it.
Now, a reason for buying comics in Trade Editions. When I was a kid, you'd get your dose of your favorite superhero monthly. Each issue was a stand alone adventure, and it was an Event if there was a two-parter or a cross-over. Nowadays, most story lines run in 6-issue arcs. I was lucky to get the first 3 issues of the recent Flash:Reborn series from my brother. This was back in August. Now all I had to do was collect the last 3 issues of the arc, and I'd have the whole set. It's now March, 7 months later and I'm still waiting for issue number 6 - THE LAST ISSUE - to come out. The guy in the store said maybe next week. This is why I usually wait for the Trade to come out. No muss, no fuss.
ALSO, for anyone who actually reads this, I finally started the jigsaw puzzle from Christmas.
Talk to you later.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Chapter Four
These last few weeks saw the passing of several writers whose work will stand the test of time. Erich Segal wrote "Love Story" and the movie of the same name which was probably THE Chick Flick of my generation. Robert Parker wrote the Spencer and Jesse Stone books which were made into TV programs that were quality entertainment. J. D. Salinger wrote "The Catcher in the Rye" which is still being read by high school students who almost always identify with the main character. Each will be missed by their respective followers.
What I have for you this time are several books, only one of which was written by one of the previously mentioned, recently passed, writers.
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes in America - Martin H. Greenberg, Jon. L. Lellenberg and David Stashover, Editors, (375 pages, $14.95/gift card, copyright 2009, Trade Paperback).
16 stories by various authors all dealing with the exploits of Sherlock Holmes in the New World - America. Some address his early years preparing for his career, before Watson. Some include Watson and deal with follow ups to previous recorded cases. One, in particular, is "written" by Holmes himself, and serves as a lead in to his Final Bow. Most are well-written, especially the one leading up to his Final Bow, but I must admit I was a little disappointed. Holmes should be in England, dealing with the fog, hansom cabs, and Scotland Yard. Not bad.
Series
Night Passage - Robert B. Parker (324 pages, $6.99/$.50, copyright 1998, Paperback)
This is the first in the Jesse Stone series, and the first one I've read. It's different from the Spenser books - not as light, and told in the 3rd person. We have a flawed character in a new situation, and faced with controlling his demons in order to do his job as Chief of Police in a small New England town. I enjoyed it.
Cross Country - James Patterson (406 pages, $27.99/$2.00, copyright 2008, Hard Cover)
This is another of the Alex Cross novels that Paterson finds the time to churn out amidst his other literary endeavors. I've always liked these, and this is no exception. Murder in DC leads to a manhunt in Nigeria, and Cross' brutal realization of the realities of life in many of the countries in Africa. I thought the ending was a little too pat, and a bit rushed, however. I enjoyed it.
The Vig - John Lescroat (376 pages, $7.99/$.50, copyright 1990, Paperback)
This is one of the Dismas Hardy/Abe Glitsky novels that have always been a pleasure to read. This is one of the earlier ones in the series, and is set during the time that Hardy has left the DA's office and is tending bar. An old friend dies(?), murder threats, ex-cons, San Francisco and Mexico, and the personal lives and problems of our heroes all mixed together nicely. I enjoyed it.
The Mile High Club - Kinky Friedman (223 Pages, $13.00/$.50, copyright 2000, Paperback)
A while back I reviewed Richard Belzer's first book, and this is of the same genre. Kinky writes about himself, as he investigates a crime. We have a mysterious woman, the State Department, terrorists, and Kinky's assortment of friends/characters who circle around him at his loft in the Village. The writing started out interesting, but grew stale rapidly, as he tends to use the same phrases over and over. If you liked his past as a county music personality (Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys) you may enjoy this. I found it to be passable.
That's all for now. As Ringo says, Peace and Love.
What I have for you this time are several books, only one of which was written by one of the previously mentioned, recently passed, writers.
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes in America - Martin H. Greenberg, Jon. L. Lellenberg and David Stashover, Editors, (375 pages, $14.95/gift card, copyright 2009, Trade Paperback).
16 stories by various authors all dealing with the exploits of Sherlock Holmes in the New World - America. Some address his early years preparing for his career, before Watson. Some include Watson and deal with follow ups to previous recorded cases. One, in particular, is "written" by Holmes himself, and serves as a lead in to his Final Bow. Most are well-written, especially the one leading up to his Final Bow, but I must admit I was a little disappointed. Holmes should be in England, dealing with the fog, hansom cabs, and Scotland Yard. Not bad.
Series
Night Passage - Robert B. Parker (324 pages, $6.99/$.50, copyright 1998, Paperback)
This is the first in the Jesse Stone series, and the first one I've read. It's different from the Spenser books - not as light, and told in the 3rd person. We have a flawed character in a new situation, and faced with controlling his demons in order to do his job as Chief of Police in a small New England town. I enjoyed it.
Cross Country - James Patterson (406 pages, $27.99/$2.00, copyright 2008, Hard Cover)
This is another of the Alex Cross novels that Paterson finds the time to churn out amidst his other literary endeavors. I've always liked these, and this is no exception. Murder in DC leads to a manhunt in Nigeria, and Cross' brutal realization of the realities of life in many of the countries in Africa. I thought the ending was a little too pat, and a bit rushed, however. I enjoyed it.
The Vig - John Lescroat (376 pages, $7.99/$.50, copyright 1990, Paperback)
This is one of the Dismas Hardy/Abe Glitsky novels that have always been a pleasure to read. This is one of the earlier ones in the series, and is set during the time that Hardy has left the DA's office and is tending bar. An old friend dies(?), murder threats, ex-cons, San Francisco and Mexico, and the personal lives and problems of our heroes all mixed together nicely. I enjoyed it.
The Mile High Club - Kinky Friedman (223 Pages, $13.00/$.50, copyright 2000, Paperback)
A while back I reviewed Richard Belzer's first book, and this is of the same genre. Kinky writes about himself, as he investigates a crime. We have a mysterious woman, the State Department, terrorists, and Kinky's assortment of friends/characters who circle around him at his loft in the Village. The writing started out interesting, but grew stale rapidly, as he tends to use the same phrases over and over. If you liked his past as a county music personality (Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys) you may enjoy this. I found it to be passable.
That's all for now. As Ringo says, Peace and Love.
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