Book Reviews Of The Month – Earp: Saints for Sinners #2
Earp: Saints for Sinners #2 of 5
Radical Comics
Writers: M. Zachary Sherman & Matt Cirulnick
Art: Colin Lorimer
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if the Earps, Doc Holiday and Jesse James were in our time? Or they were in a different time? That is what Earp: Saints for Sinners goes off of. The Earps and Doc have retired and opened a casino in Las Vegas. They have the usual competition and, on top of that, The Pinkertons want protection money. Add onto this, the hottest woman in the city, who’s a performer at a rivals club, has the hots for Wyatt. A real fun time all around and one a fun way to live out your retirement.
This book made me think a bit. When I first started reading it, I was expecting it to be decedents of the Earp clan, but it’s told that these are the actual gunslingers from the old west. That took me a bit to get used to as I read. But as I kept reading, I was able to get past that and wanted to see what happens. From what I remember about the Earp’s real history, they were trying to settle down and run a casino to retire but the Cowboys had different ideas. So this book runs along those same lines.
I really have to say, other than that one bit I told you about, this book is something to read. The art works in the story. You can feel the tension in the performance hall when something happens. You can smell the smoke in the air in the casino. I want that when I’m reading. Each character’s dialog fits and makes sense; I’m big on that, so I point it out. The cover drew me in and it went from there. In my humble opinion, follow the Earps into the fight and let them take you on a ride you’ll enjoy. I know I will.
Book Reviews Of The Month – Incredible Change-bots Two
Incredible Change-bots Two
Top Shelf Productions
Art and Writing: Jeffrey Brown
I just finished reading the Incredible Change-bots Two. Reading through this, it takes place some time after the first one ended. One of the characters from the first comes back from what everyone else thought was the dead with no memory of what happened in the first issue and tries to figure out who he is and what’s his purpose. The government finds out about him and tries to capture him to turn him into a weapon for them and things just roll from there. I really didn’t know what to expect from this book.
Reading through it, I could see that it’s a parody of a very well known toy, cartoon and movie series of which I am a big fan of the “first series.” They bring in some jokes from another very popular comic as well and poke fun at that too. Also, there’s some fun at the expense of other current pop culture things happening and as we all know, that’s the job of a parody. The art was very basic, from what I could see, it was done in crayon to add to what the writer was trying to portray.
The writing was something that of course, was kept a little simple, not because it was bad but because they are poking fun at the different things going on. Now I know I really haven’t said much about the work that was done and said whether I liked it or not. This really wasn’t something that I would read on my own and most likely, I wouldn’t read the first one either. So, in my humble opinion, I’d say pick it up if you like parodies. If not, best move on to something else. But let me know what you think.
Book Reviews Of The Month – Night Animals: A Diptych About what Rushes through the Bushes
Top Shelf Productions
Written and Art by Brecht Evens
Imagine, if you will, dressing up like a rabbit to catch a bus that never shows. As the sun goes down you see signs telling you where to go and they lead you on a path that you never saw and into a world that you never knew existed (yeah, I know, it sounds like something from the Twilight Zone). That’s the first story in Night Animals. The second being a story of a woman who’s learning to be a gymnast, when suddenly she matures and the natural thing happens when a woman matures. Think the beginning of a classic Stephen King book and movie. That night, she’s taken off to another world where she’s made queen. At least that’s what I think.
There’s one main thing that sticks out about these two stories, they don’t have any speaking, no dialog. This isn’t the first comic book without speaking that I’ve seen but it just caught me off guard. Both stories do flow and lead you to a true ending and both of them made me think, made me question. Some of my questions may not have been what the writer had in mind but some most likely where. Also, the art in the stories fit for what they were trying to portray. I was taken to these different worlds, again the goal for that was met.
Truly, I can say that I’ve never read anything like this before. There are times when you have to throw something out there that makes everyone question, this is one of those. Just to give you the heads up, don’t let kids read these, it’s not for them. I’d guess about fifteen and up. In my humble opinion, if you want to have something that makes you think, this would be it. If not, you want something that is more a traditional read and try something else. Of course, let me know either way.
Book Reviews Of The Month – Abyss #1 of 4, Family Issues
Abyss #1 of 4, Family Issues
Red 5 Comics
Writer: Kevin Rubio
Art: Alfonso Ruiz
If you can find me one family that doesn’t have some type of issues, I’d say you were lying. You’d figure the basic stuff, sibling rivalry, paternal and maternal issues from the past, living up to expectations, the basic stuff. Thankfully most of us don’t have to deal with having their father be the world’s biggest super villain (if you do, I want to meet you and hear the stories). That’s the premise for Abyss: Family Issues. In the story, after his father supposedly dies, Eric Hoffman finds out he was Abyss, Super villain #1. On the plus side, Eric does get a bank that’s failing, a boat load of money and all of his father’s tech including his robot R.E.D.S. Now, he’s trying to make up for his father’s actions and be a superhero, but he’s not that good, yet.
This was a really fun read. The story brings you in and you’re in for a fun ride. Watching poor Eric find his way when not all of the superheroes want him around is something that you’d expect but the reason’s are not. Think; name one secret identity that has a “normal” home life or past. The writing was witty, at times realistic and appropriate. The art was good, the write amount of detail, bright and dark at the right times.
Overall, this one will be another good set to read when the rest come out. There’s another set before this one that gives the full back-story; something I’m going to get, when I have the chance to read. In my humble opinion, go out; get this, then the next three and the ones before this. Read them all and if this goes into a regular monthly issue, get those too.
Book Reviews Of The Month – Northern Guard #2
Northern Guard #2
Moonstone Books
Written by Ty Templeton & Sam Argo
Art by David J. Cutler
Did you ever think that the comic book team theme would ever get old? Or the post-apocalyptic story would get blasé? At times I did, but then books come along like Northern Guard that change peoples minds. The basic premise is in the year 2029, a Russian scientist tried to disable nuclear weapons but actually shut down all electricity below Canada, Siberia, and Long Island (why New York, they get all the breaks anyway. Oh, sorry). In the area that still has power, some people also get super abilities. The Northern Guard is a group from Canada and the US that are trying to repair the damage done. Another group from Russia is trying to undo the accident, but are they?
There in lies the story. I really enjoyed reading this and want to see where they take it. As I read, I saw that the art was bright, appropriate to what was going on and easy to follow. In the beginning, the writers get you caught up on what happened in the first book and give you a little scolding for not reading it, something I’d do. The voices matched the characters and had the right accents. Thankfully, you didn’t hear any of the over-exaggerated Canadian accents. The story was believable, it’s not something that was way out of left field that you have to say, “You’re kidding, right?”
Overall, this is going to be interesting on where the story goes and what they decide to do with the main characters and the main antagonist. This is something that could go far. In my humble opinion, buy this book and the first one. Keep following it and see where it goes. I’d give it 4 out of 5.
Book Reviews Of The Month – Kill Shakespeare #9
Kill Shakespeare #9
IDW
Written by Conner McCreery & Anthony Del Col
Art by Andy Belanger
I’ll admit I’ve seen and read some weird takeoffs of William Shakespeare made for all levels of audiences, but nothing like this. Now, in Kill Shakespeare from IDW, they’ve taken almost all of the stories of the great writer, combined them all into one continuous storyline and went from there. Shakespeare is even involved in the story as well. In this issue, Hamlet has gathered his army, including Romeo; to go and find the mythical person who created the world that they live in, you guessed it, Shakespeare. Hamlet goes ahead of the rest of the army because he’s the only one who can reach him through an enchanted forest.
Reading this made me think two things. One: this is an interesting twist and I like how it’s coming across. And two: why didn’t I pay more attention to this section when I was in English in high school. The writing is not done in full Shakespearian, thankfully. But it’s enough to put you in that mindset. Romeo feels different than Iago and so forth. My only complaint about this book was the page layout. There are times that I couldn’t tell what frame to go to next because of the separators that were used.
Other than that, the art had that Old English feel to it. It took you to the locations in that time (for the life of me, I can’t remember some of the lands, castles and other things that were used from his books. I told you I should have paid more attention in English). In my humble opinion, this would be something to read. I now it’s not for all audiences but if you like Shakespeare you’ll enjoy it. If you’re not fully into that area of literature, you might look somewhere else. I’d give this a 3 out of 5.
Book Reviews Of The Month – Helllraiser #1: Pursuit of the Flesh
Boom Studios
Written by Clive Barker & Christopher Monfette
Art by Leonardo Manco
I’ve said this before; I’m not a fan of gore. When it’s appropriate to show someone being ripped apart, ok. When a movie or comic is showing it just to show it, no thanks. Having said that, let’s start up with Hellraiser (yes, Pinhead is back!); just to let you know, I never saw the movies all the way through. Well, this is the start of a series, so the writers didn’t give much away on what the overall storyline is going to be and I really can’t tell you what was in this or else I’d give it away and then you’d be coming after me wanting to do to me what was done to a woman in the beginning of the book or BOOM wanting my head on a lance.
Of what I’ve seen of the movies, the art is from the movies, a gritty, ominous look to it. Reading it, I had that same feeling of darkness and danger come over me, it worked well. The panels are separated well so you can follow what’s going on with no problems. The writing was done by the man himself, Clive Barker, he and Christopher Monfette took what was on the screen and put it on paper. They transitioned it really well.
I’ll be honest, I’m not going to be getting into this series. I’m not saying it was bad, I enjoyed it. But, how shall I phrase this; I want to sleep at night! This book will take you back to that place of fear and darkness that made the movie franchise work so well. In my humble opinion, if you liked the movies or liked getting the crap scared out of you, get this book and everyone that comes after it. I give it 5 caps out of 5.
Book Reviews Of The Month – After Dark #3 of 3
After Dark #3 of 3
Radical Comics
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Leonardo Manco
Now, here’s another book I’m not sure what to make of. I just finished reading After Dark from Radical and I’m pretty sure I needed to read the first two (you have to keep in mind that I review what’s given to me, when I get them). This issue has a group of soldiers going to rescue a woman by the name of Angle and she’s not to keen on leaving where-ever she is at. But after some work and someone getting killed, she does agree. Now back in Solar City, there are clans who worship her, which causes problems with the current leaders. That’s about all I can say without giving away too much.
I did like the idea that they were portraying in the story. The ideas that were brought up where interesting and could be applied to some of the things going on now in our world. There are times that the story seems to get lost and you kind of wonder what’s going on, but it’s able to save itself. The art was good. There’s no problem following the frames and, since this world has no sunlight, the art is darker and works for the story.
Overall, for me, I’m not sure if I’m going to go back and read the first two. There’s a quick overview in the beginning to get the reader caught up but it didn’t give me all the information that I would ask for or needed. With how everything was presented, it’s not for me. In my humble opinion, I’d say look at the first book. If you think it would be worth reading, go for it. Then try the next. Because, if you just try reading this one first, you’re going to be lost. I’d give it a 2 caps out of 5.
Book Reviews Of The Month – 28 Days Later #21
28 Days Later #21
Boom Studios
Written by Michael Alan Nelson
Art by Pablo Peppino
Here’s another movie that has been made into a comic book. Personally I’ve seen mixed results when that happens. In this particular book, it worked. Not so much that it matches what was on the screen for the two movies made about people trying to survive in a world full of zombies. This issue shows two people who are trying to get into the Green Zone in London. As you read, neither is what they seem (and thankfully, they’re not dead). One, you find out about him what why he’s there. The other, she says she has her own reasons for doing what she is doing. But that’s it.
I did enjoy this book. They showed enough of the of the dead to let you know what is going on, if by some fluke chance you didn’t see the movies or read the first books. The tone of the art is really well done; in the scenes you can tell that something is not right. This adds to what you see is going on. The writing, I’m thrilled with. With the book taking place in England, the characters have English accents. The two characters being focused on have the chemistry of, we work together to get done what needs to get done, and something that I’m glad that makes the action come off of the page.
This is a good book and most likely a good series. Boom made sure to put you in that world where you don’t know what’s going to be happening next. Whether you’re out in the areas where you have to fight and move each day to stay alive or you’re in an area protected and you’re trying to create a sense of normalcy; even then, you’re not sure what will happen. In my humble opinion start reading this series, if you’re a fan of the movies or not. I’d give this a 4 caps out of 5.
Book Reviews Of The Month – The Guild Graphic Novel
The Guild
Dark Horse Books
Written by Felicia Day
Art by Jim Rugg
How many of you out there are online gamers and/or follow online shows? I’ll be honest, I don’t do either but when I read The Guild, I got an idea of what it could be like. Now, I’m guessing there’re a few of you that follow this show already. I’m happy to say that this book is not from the show or one of the next chapters of the characters. This book is actually a prequel, so you can see how the Knights of Good come into existence. Not to mention how Cyd gets into the game and meets the rest of the team.
Reading this I got the basis for the story and I enjoyed it a lot. Felicia Day wrote this book and was able to fill it with a lot of in-joke humor for those who know comics and gaming. The characters are unique (though I’m guessing if you game, you know them) and have their own voices. I could see how Cyd would come to the place that she is at in her life and felt sorry for her and I could see her growth, which is another plus. The art fits with what’s being told, between what would be live action and what would be in the game. They both have their individual feel.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I know they have their own line but for me, reading the back-story and knowing how things get going, this helps me better understand when I can get the back issues and the different seasons of the show. It was a real fun read. In my humble opinion, if you’re a fan of the show or comic, or if you’re not, get this book. You’ll thank me later. I give it 5 caps out of 5.
Book Reviews Of The Month – Helllraiser #1: Pursuit of the Flesh
Written by Clive Barker & Christopher Monfette
Art by Leonardo Manco
I’ve said this before; I’m not a fan of gore. When it’s appropriate to show someone being ripped apart, ok. When a movie or comic is showing it just to show it, no thanks. Having said that, let’s start up with Hellraiser (yes, Pinhead is back!); just to let you know, I never saw the movies all the way through. Well, this is the start of a series, so the writers didn’t give much away on what the overall storyline is going to be and I really can’t tell you what was in this or else I’d give it away and then you’d be coming after me wanting to do to me what was done to a woman in the beginning of the book or BOOM wanting my head on a lance.
Of what I’ve seen of the movies, the art is from the movies, a gritty, ominous look to it. Reading it, I had that same feeling of darkness and danger come over me, it worked well. The panels are separated well so you can follow what’s going on with no problems. The writing was done by the man himself, Clive Barker, he and Christopher Monfette took what was on the screen and put it on paper. They transitioned it really well.
I’ll be honest, I’m not going to be getting into this series. I’m not saying it was bad, I enjoyed it. But, how shall I phrase this; I want to sleep at night! This book will take you back to that place of fear and darkness that made the movie franchise work so well. In my humble opinion, if you liked the movies or liked getting the crap scared out of you, get this book and everyone that comes after it. I give it 5 caps out of 5.
Book Reviews Of The Month – Mass Effect: Redemption
Mass Effect: Redemption
Dark Horse Books
Written by Mac Walters
Art by Omar Francia
You know, the more I keep doing reviews, the more I realize that I might want to invest in a game system. I just finished reading Mass Effect: Redemption, which has its roots in the videogame Mass Effect. The story takes place after a ship is destroyed in battle and one of the crew, a number of years later, goes to an outpost where she hears that a group has the remains of the captain. From there, she meets up with an information broker who had agreed to help her. Well, things just go from there and don’t seem to get better for a while.
Looking it over, to me, the art seemed at times a little cartoonish. Now, because I know where the story came from, I thought it worked. Also, the panels were easy to follow, another plus. The story was good as well, they established what the characters goal was and the supporting characters all made sense. Also, the dialog worked. Though personally, I would like to have seen a little more accents put into them, but that’s just me. I will say that the personalities did come off the page and you do get to know the important characters and why they do what they do.
I really did enjoy the book and would read more if they’re out there. Who knows, I may actually get a gaming system to see what the game is like (my son keeps hounding me for one so, who knows). Other than the personal feeling of more accents, I really don’t have anything negative to say about this book. In my humble opinion, if you enjoyed the game, if you enjoy video gaming, if you like a good book, I’d say buy this book and keep following if they make it into a series. I give it a 4 caps out of 5.
Book Reviews Of The Month – The Sky Over the Louvre
The Sky Over the Louvre
Comics Lit
Written by Jean-Claude Carriere
Art by Bernar Yslaire
One of my goals in my life is to go to the Louvre in Paris. I enjoy going to museums and seeing the art and either trying to understand it, understand the artists (though some may freak me out) or be taken back to the time in the painting. One of my favorite memories I have of my late aunt is arguing with her over Basic Art (it’s a dern box with a plank in it!). Now I just finished reading The Sky Over the Louvre and it’s not your traditional graphic novel. This is one that was written as history, not fantasy.
The story has an introduction three years before the end of the French Revolution and then jumps to the end for the next chapter. The story focuses on the artists and art that came out during this time. The writing was in English but still had enough French feel and accent to the characters. Each character has their own personality and sound, something I know I keep mentioning but it is important. The art was gritty and had a dark. Matching the times that were going on in what was being depicted.
This is another book that really wasn’t for me. Now, if I was more into French history or the art from that time, I may have understood and enjoyed this more. I definitely could tell that I was not the intended audience for this as I read. Now, there are graphic novels and comics that tell of a historical event and they are really well done. But, again, this one was not for me. In my humble opinion, if you like French art (which they show in this book), French history or want some more information on the French Revolution, you might enjoy this. Most of the rest of you, may not. I give it 2.5 caps out of 5.
Book Reviews Of The Month – Donald Duck: Feathers of Fury
Donald Duck: Feathers of Fury
Boom Studios
Multiple writers and artists
This was an interesting for me. I’ve grown up watching cartoons, all sorts of them, including the Disney characters. Well this book put them in a different feel. Most of the stories in this trade were about Donald Duck and the last was Goofy and Mickey. Each story focused on something dealing with martial arts. The thought of Donald or Goofy studying any martial art frightens me and after reading this, that fear is reinforced. But the stories were meant for fun and that’s what you got while reading them.
Now, the art was different for each story and each had a good feel to them, almost like it was cartoon art put into a comic. That I enjoyed. If you’re taking a cartoon and converting it into a comic, have the art look the same for us fans. All of the characters kept their accents (except Donald, do you think they could take that voice and put it on paper and have you understand it?) and when they went to different lands, the accents matched where they were going. In all of the stories, the panels were easy to follow and would work for any level of comic book reader.
Now for what I think, really, I wasn’t the audience for this but I still enjoyed myself enough to keep reading. Also, for me, these stories weren’t as enjoyable as others that I’ve read for the age range from this company. But again, that may be just me. In my humble opinion, if you have children and are looking for something to either read to them or for them to read on their own, this would be good. Or if you’re a fan of Donald Duck, this may be something for you. For everyone else, you might not want to pick this up. I give it 2 caps out of 5.
Review Of The Month – Relay For Life
First and foremost, I want you to know that I’m going to ask you to do something at the end of this article. So, if you don’t want to hear about that, stop reading. Now, for the rest of you, as you know, I like to joke a little in my review. But last night, I did something I do every year and it’s not something I will ever joke about. I was at the Relay for Life weekend event. This is an event that raises money for cancer research. Now, every one of you reading this has been touched by cancer in some form. You’ve either survived the insidious disease or know someone who’s survived or lost his or her fight to it. This weekend is for the survivors, those who are caretakers and those who remember. This is my experience while I was there.
Now, it’s not all sorrow and loss, it is fun. But let me start from the beginning and go from there. When I got there, everyone around was still setting up their booths for whatever they were going to be doing to raise money. Whether it’s selling food, crafts, doing a raffle or whatever, it was there. Before the weekend though, the teams were raising money for the American Cancer Society with other projects like concerts, banks put out at different business and other things. But getting back to the weekend, everything officially started at 1:00pm with the mayor of Tamarac coming out and officially declaring the weekend as “Relay for Life Weekend in Tamarac.” Then, the children that were there started the first lap around a course setup in the parking lot of University Hospital. It was filled with cheers and music, a lot of fun I would say. After that, the survivors were driven around the course on different motorcycles and everyone cheered them. I was affected seeing this because I’ve lost three members of my family to cancer. As the day went on, we had dancing, music and other events going on, again a lot of fun. But after the sun went down, there was one thing that will draw tears out of anyone.
There are bags that are decorated for those who did not survive their battles or those who where there helping fight. As the candles inside the bags were lit, all the lights around the track were turned off and everyone walked along in as much silence as possible, looking at the bags seeing the names and the decorations done by the families. I saw people pointing to the bags saying to their children, “That’s you grandma” or “You remember Uncle John.” You see families sitting in front of the bags praying and crying, as the memories of that loved one come back to them. I saw the names of those I lost, I sat down and said my thoughts to them and how much I missed them. Once that was done, the music came back and it was a little more of a party atmosphere again.
This goes on for most of the night. It’s something that I really can’t describe because it’s just my experience. Others have different things come up for them and different experiences. I’m sorry if it sounded like I was rambling but it’s something that I feel strongly about. Now, here’s what I’m going to ask of you. Whether you know someone with cancer or fought it yourself, please go to http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/ and either donate you time or money.