I really want to like this, I really do. In fact, I'm such a Kevin Smith fan that I think it may be the only reason I'm giving this a 3 star rating ovI really want to like this, I really do. In fact, I'm such a Kevin Smith fan that I think it may be the only reason I'm giving this a 3 star rating over a 2 or a 2.5.
In my review of Batman: Cacophony, I stated that I had high hopes for the sequel in which Kevin Smith promised a superior story. Already, my hopes were probably too high. I mean, I love the guy's work! Big fan of his movies and podcasts; I also really enjoyed his Daredevil and Spider-Man runs. So I knew that he probably just wrote a bad arc, it happens.
My main problem with this book is the ending. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the ending. As Kevin wrote in the afterword, there's no one that could have predicted that. My problem with the ending is that it makes the entire novel seem better than it deserves to be. It kind of made me forget about all the strangeness that led up to it.
In a word, Kevin's writing here is just weird. I mean, there's no other way to describe it. Granted, it's not all bad - he wrote a decent scene between Bats and Catwoman. However, it doesn't make up for all the strange "happy" Batman/Bruce Wayne stuff.
I feel like such a heel saying that about the book because I'm a massive fan of Walt's artwork. He's so good here and has steadily improved on what he brought to the table with Cacophony.
Supposedly, this is going to be a 3 part series so I'm hoping that he plans on finishing strong. With the way the ending went, there's no way we're not getting a (view spoiler)[crazy, violent and brutal (hide spoiler)] Batman.
I'm always going to have faith in Smith because he really is better than what most people give him credit for. I know he's capable of writing something excellent in the next collection - SO DON'T LET ME DOWN!...more
If not for Alaina, this wouldn't have even touched my radar.. at all. For starters, I'm not religious in the slighteWhat a weird book for me to read.
If not for Alaina, this wouldn't have even touched my radar.. at all. For starters, I'm not religious in the slightest so that alone is enough to turn me off of this book. Also, I have no fundamental knowledge of what's going on in Israel. Well, I know that there is what appears to be a conflict with no end in sight, but other than that - nothing.
Don't confuse my lack of knowledge with a lack of interest, however, as I've always been interested in "what's going on over there". When the topic comes up in any conversation (which trust me is rare), I usually refrain from giving an opinion in an effort to mask my ignorance. While I'm not a fairly political guy - and I'll be the first to proclaim my apathy towards international issues - I'd like to have some sort of basic understanding. So when this book was recommended (and combined with the attractive title), I gave it a shot.
Now, I don't want to give anyone the impression that after I put this down I declared myself an authority on all Palestinian/Israeli matters. If anything, I doubt I'll ever fully understand it. I can say that Glidden at least gave me an idea of what all this fighting is over and that's a whole lot better than what I knew before hand.
Her story is an interesting one and while at times I found her overly dramatic, I can't say that I can tell her how she should act in this kind of environment. I really respect that while she admitted to having a huge bias upon starting her journey, she ended without beating over your head who is "right" and who is "wrong".
Why the 3 stars? I guess because when you break down the star system, 3 stars translates into "I liked it". So while I thought the artwork was beautifully done, I can't see this really having an impact on me in the long term....more
I don't even know where to start. I'd love to just throw, no shovel, all kinds of praise on this! You know, like when The Academy gave Peter Jackson aI don't even know where to start. I'd love to just throw, no shovel, all kinds of praise on this! You know, like when The Academy gave Peter Jackson all those awards for The Return of the King, mostly neglecting the first two (sidebar: I hate those damn Hobbit movies).
Vaughan did everything right, I wouldn't change a damn thing. Part of me wants to do a whole spoiler-ific review but I refuse to neglect peeps who haven't read this, so I'll try and tag appropriately.
You know what, I'm not ashamed to admit it. It did get a little dusty in the room while reading this final volume. I did see (view spoiler)[Yorick and 355 eventually coming to terms with their feelings (hide spoiler)] coming but was totally caught off guard with (view spoiler)[355's death (hide spoiler)]. I almost couldn't even take it! I love that Vaughan threw away the conventional ending and gave us something to think about.
The other thing I love is that despite what I had said in my book #9 review, we're still not totally clear on what caused the plague. This, I'm 110% okay with. I see no real reason to give us a definitive answer as I had noted before, it's pretty much irrelevant.
More people need to read this. Graphic novels and comics are a perfect medium for story telling and people who snub their noses at the format really need to look no further than this series. Granted, the series did lag a little in the middle volumes, it both started and finished strong.
While I'd love for this to become a TV series (there's no way you can fit this into a movie, or a trilogy no less), the graphic novels are perfect just the way they are and it's often pretty difficult to improve upon perfection....more
So without giving anything away here, we're given the long awaited answer to the plague. Well, it looks that way at this point. Anything can happen wiSo without giving anything away here, we're given the long awaited answer to the plague. Well, it looks that way at this point. Anything can happen with this series (I don't mean that in a bad way). When I was finally shown the reason, it really didn't matter.
Let me clarify. Obviously the reason behind the "gendercide" needs to be given to the audience. It's just that Vaughan has created these characters that are sticking with me. Some people may have problems with the big reveal and I can certainly understand that. In fact, my favorite book of all time The Stand, has a pretty ridiculous ending. However, just like the characters in The Stand, it's the journey that these women, and Yorick, have been on that make this series so great.
Geez, I'm acting like the series is finished! I still have another damn book to read!
I wasn't crazy about the re-appearance of a long lost character at the end of the novel. I assume Vaughan has plans for her in Book #10, I mean, if not - kind of pointless?...more
I was beginning to worry after finishing the last book that the story was starting to decline. Believe me, I was very nervous!
Vaughan appears to indicI was beginning to worry after finishing the last book that the story was starting to decline. Believe me, I was very nervous!
Vaughan appears to indicate that some time has passed since the last collection. It's easy to tell in the fact that at the very least, everyone has slightly longer hair. Yep, Yorick is rocking some lengthy locks.
It's worth noting that some serious stuff goes down in this issue. Which is a breath of fresh air considering the non-events in book 7. We also see the return of Alter as we're treated to her unfortunate back story. Did someone say back story? Well, we also get a very intriguing one involving Dr. Mann.
The series seems to have righted itself for the time being. I'm dying to finish this up. I hope the conclusion has been worth the journey at this point. ...more
Yorick finally makes it to Australia! While Dr. Mann and 355 agree to let Yorick take a look for his long lost girlfriend Beth, they encounter more trYorick finally makes it to Australia! While Dr. Mann and 355 agree to let Yorick take a look for his long lost girlfriend Beth, they encounter more trouble than expected.
This volume seemed more like a something Vaughn used to tie up loose ends. It felt as if almost nothing progressed here. We're met with two back stories that while interesting, failed to really alter the story in any way. That being said, it's not really all that bad, just not as great as the series has been.
Books 6 and 7 didn't really leave as large of an impression on me as the earlier installments. I'm hoping that Vaughn has a plan here; that the series doesn't become a jumbled mess. I have 3 more entries to go and I have pretty high expectations! C'mon Vaughn, don't let me down!...more
So, a lot happens in this volume. Unfortunately, it's the first collection that probably deserved a little less than 4 stars. If not for the incrediblSo, a lot happens in this volume. Unfortunately, it's the first collection that probably deserved a little less than 4 stars. If not for the incredible ending, I would probably give it a 3-3.5.
Vaughan explores a little of what Yorick's girlfriend is up to in Australia and how she's coping with the plague. We're treated to an excellent dream sequence where Beth (view spoiler)[gets a sign that Yorick is still alive (hide spoiler)].
The only thing I didn't like was the ridiculous subplot with pirates (view spoiler)[flooding Australia with heroin (hide spoiler)] and the Australian navy trying to stop them. Also, I wasn't a fan of Yorick hooking up with another girl. He seems to mention Beth less and less, which of course, could indicate that he finds it hard to believe that she's still alive and still looking for him. However, with the ending provided, we're being prepped to think that Yorick and Beth will meet eventually.
I'm going to be very sad when this series ends....more
This series continues to be so incredibly strong, I can't recommend it enough.
In this collection, we find out more about Hero as she struggles to "depThis series continues to be so incredibly strong, I can't recommend it enough.
In this collection, we find out more about Hero as she struggles to "deprogram" herself from her past as a member of The Amazons. Also, Yorick meets another woman who shares the same name as his missing girlfriend, Beth, and establishes an instant connection.
Probably the biggest part of The Ring of Truth is that we found out why Yorick and Ampersand survived the plague. Well, sort of. We're still unaware of what caused it so it could only be a guess on the part of Dr. Mann. I was sort of satisfied with the revelation; not blown away. If anything, it makes me a little weary of what originally caused it. I hope I'm not let down....more
As Yorick, 355 and Dr. Mann continue on their trip to California, Vol. 4 has the most character development and immediate danger yet! Vaughn totally tAs Yorick, 355 and Dr. Mann continue on their trip to California, Vol. 4 has the most character development and immediate danger yet! Vaughn totally takes it in a completely chaotic direction; to quote one of my favorite hockey play-by-play men, Bob Cole, "Everything is happening!"
Yorick really steps it up in this collection and begins to realize that he's destined for much greater than he can grasp. I mean, it takes an awful lot for him to come to that conclusion (and it's in the craziest way possible) but it happens nonetheless.
We're also thrust into a movement involving a rouge militant group The Sons Of Arizona; a collection of women sworn to protect the state of Arizona. Blaming the US government for the plague, they withdrew from the union (in their own minds, mind you) and pledged to protect the state from any outsiders. Playing an integral part in several character changes, The Sons of Arizona are ruthless in their treatment of 355 and Dr. Mann which leads to an event that changes Yorick forever....more
So at the end of the last collection, we found out that (view spoiler)[Yorick may not be humanity's last hope after all; two men exist beyond the eartSo at the end of the last collection, we found out that (view spoiler)[Yorick may not be humanity's last hope after all; two men exist beyond the earth's atmosphere within the international space station (hide spoiler)]. Nothing like opening your review with a spoiler!
In this installment, Vaughn pushes a subplot that has slowly been building since the beginning involving Israeli militant soldiers. Their eventual plan is to kidnap him and repopulate the homeland becoming the only nation on earth with a male population.
The only thing I didn't care for was the mini-story at the end involving a traveling theatre group. The promoter/writer seemed really cliche with several groan-worthy lines. It added little overall to the story so I was kind of confused in why it was integrated.
While I wasn't as gripped as the first two issues, it still fits well within the story so far. I struggled to give this 4 stars but eventually came to the conclusion that I'm loving this series too much at the moment. Maybe a 3.5 - 4.0 stars makes a little more sense....more
This was a colossal letdown. To be truthful, I was pretty bored reading this. I read a few reviews from people on heI don't know what I expected here.
This was a colossal letdown. To be truthful, I was pretty bored reading this. I read a few reviews from people on here that suggested reading a few of the other individual "Civil War" issues as they more or less, fill in some gaps.
I had this gut feeling that I wasn't really going to understand what was going on here. With all these other story lines running on the side in individual series', I wasn't sure where to start. Hey, it's not rocket science; I did manage to get the gist of it but I failed to see the point. I didn't quite understand why they needed to kick the crap out of each other! Especially considering the way it ends. I also hated (view spoiler)[ Iron Man bringing in several super-villains to aid him in his arrest of Captain America and his rebel forces (hide spoiler)].
The idea was extremely interesting and I kept thinking how I would have written it or pulled it off. I had a few scenarios in my head but nothing seemed interesting. It's hard to really pin-point my problem with the series but I'm hoping someone can guide me in the right direction. Do I need to read the others? Is there something I'm missing?
I really didn't like Watchmen (which I think I may be in the minority on) and didn't see what all the hype surrounding Alan Moore was all about. But mI really didn't like Watchmen (which I think I may be in the minority on) and didn't see what all the hype surrounding Alan Moore was all about. But my God, this book was jaw-droppingly excellent.
To this day, I have never really experienced a Joker origin story (well, unless you count Tim Burton's 1989 Batman) so this was pretty much all new to me. The fact that Alan Moore hammers it home time and time again that Joker is the way he is because of one bad day is pretty chilling. It also coincides with Heath Ledger's Joker and his big speech at the end of The Dark Knight - "Madness, as you know, is just like gravity. All it takes is a little... push".
Its hard to stretch this into a long review, the book itself is only 46 pages. Meaning, I can only go on about how much I love it for so long. If anything, it has one of the coolest endings I've seen in a Batman book - so, that alone is pretty awesome.
To quote Tim Sale with the graphic novel's introduction, "How cool is this!?"...more
I'm a pretty big Kevin Smith fan. Well, maybe massive is the correct word. Did I mention I'm attending An Evening With Kevin Smith on November 7th in I'm a pretty big Kevin Smith fan. Well, maybe massive is the correct word. Did I mention I'm attending An Evening With Kevin Smith on November 7th in Halifax? No? Well, I just did. Anyway, normally, this lends me to have a ridiculous bias towards anything he creates. Unfortunately, this really didn't live up to my expectations.
The story builds a bridge between the end of Chasing Amy and the beginning of Dogma explaining what happened to Jay & Silent Bob. If you've seen Dogma, Jay describes basically what happened during a scene in a diner. The hapless duo were in search of Shermer, Illinois - the fictional town in John Hughes 1980s teen movies. Along the way, they get mixed up with an escaped monkey.
I guess the story was so well received, or Smith loved it so much, he took the escapades with the escaped monkey and turned it into Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back. The movie is one of my favorites so I can't say why I really wasn't all that into this graphic novel. Maybe it was the artwork? I wasn't crazy about it. The dialogue was fine - your standard Smith stuff.
I did however, enjoy the subtle nods to the View Askewniverse as a whole. That's one thing I love about his movies, they all bleed together without acknowledging themselves as a "saga" of sorts. The odd character reference pops up which I really enjoyed. Smith did manage to show a lot of attention into even the smallest detail like costume changes - explaining how Jay and Bob managed to acquire different clothing from Chasing Amy to Dogma.
Overall, it's not required reading - only if you really need to know how Jay and Bob got from one movie to the next....more
A few years ago, I had a few friends over to my place for some pizza and movies. We had rented Terminator 3, so I'm going to put this gathering at aroA few years ago, I had a few friends over to my place for some pizza and movies. We had rented Terminator 3, so I'm going to put this gathering at around.. 2003? After the movie was over, we started talking about time travel and how enormous a concept it was to take on. We all had our own theories on how it was supposed to work and the discussion began to get pretty heated. Now, when I say "heated" I mean, in just a frustrating and hilarious manner. We actually started screaming at each other as movies we all loved were brought into the discussion.
In the end, nothing was solved. Basically time travel fiction (anyone know of any non-fiction?) is pretty open ended. There aren't any set rules you have to play by and the most people ask is that you just make it seem.. plausible? You can argue until you're blue in the face with someone who has their own views on the subject but as long as you have a compelling enough plot surrounding it, you can shift people's focus from the mechanics to the basic story itself.
So in 11/22/63, King doesn't spend a lot of time going into how Jake travels 53 years into the past, he just wants you to accept that he is able to do so. Which is fine by me, I can trust Uncle Stevie, he hasn't given me a reason yet not to expect a great read. Granted, he gives you somewhat of an explanation eventually and while it does seem to make sense, I still didn't quite fully grasp what he was going for.
Thankfully, the story itself was enjoyable. It did seem to meander at parts, which is why it's only going to get a 4 star rating, but I suppose that's a given with a near 900 page monstrosity. I really hate harping on book length as I'm actually a pretty big advocate of longer fiction; my favorite book of all time is damn near 1,200 pages! I firmly believe that King could've shaved 100 pages off.. or at least somewhere in that ballpark. Pretty sure I heard him state in an interview that the first draft was somewhere in the realm of 1,500 pages? Correct me if I'm wrong.
I've heard a few people say that they had some issues with the ending and I can't quite understand that one. It's easily a far better ending then 2009's Under the Dome. The pacing in the final 150 pages including (view spoiler)[the final confrontation with Oswald (hide spoiler)] had my heart racing at a rapid speed.
King certainly has done better but it's still worth the time you put into reading it. I give it a solid recommendation....more
This was less of a Matt Scudder mystery and more of a Matt Scudder thriller! James Leo Motley plays the first truly aggressive adversary he's everWow!
This was less of a Matt Scudder mystery and more of a Matt Scudder thriller! James Leo Motley plays the first truly aggressive adversary he's ever faced, almost like an insane arch-nemeses in a way. This guy really hates Scudder, to the point where he wants to kill him and everyone he cares about. Talk about a grudge!
The whole thing dates back to a situation where Motley had been harassing Scudder's on again-off again call-girl/girlfriend, Elaine, a few years back. The only way that Scudder could stop the endless torture was to frame him, putting him in jail for the foreseeable future. When Motley finally found his way out of the big house, he decided to exact this revenge against the one who took him off the street.
Within these pages, Block stretches Scudder to the limit. Nearly pushing him back into the world of alcohol, Scudder instead turns to the newest recurring character, Mick Ballou. While Block begins to build what is due to become a satisfying relationship, Ballou gives Scudder the guidance he needs. I'm growing very fond of ol' Mick and I can't wait to read more about him.
A Ticket to the Boneyard is the best book since 8 Million Ways to Die and shows that this series is in no way showing signs of fatigue....more
Parker had evened the score with the Outfit, or so he thought. After extensive facial reconstruction surgery, Parker is identified by a squealer, outiParker had evened the score with the Outfit, or so he thought. After extensive facial reconstruction surgery, Parker is identified by a squealer, outing him to his enemies. Parker realizes that the fight isn't yet over and he intends to finish it!
So, while I did like this book, I wasn't into it as much as The Hunter. Cooke seemed to take the story in a few directions towards the end, tying up loose ends and telling other parts in a different format. By throwing in a magazine style layout as well as different artwork; it really took me out of it. I wasn't exactly sure what he was going for with those deviations but it fell kind of flat for me. Luckily, it was only a small part of the story itself, so it's sort of easy to look past.
As far as the artwork goes, I'm still in love with it - that much Cooke doesn't change. The violence is played out really well, showing just as much as you need and nothing over the top. Stylistically, I still think it's one of the coolest presentations I've ever seen.
Apparently, I'm all caught up on this series as the 3rd book isn't out until sometime next year. I guess its finally time I get started on the originals. The only problem is that I believe this is books 2 and 3 together? I'm not entirely sure, I'll have to look into that.
I had to rate it 3 stars but I'm telling you it's a solid 3 and a half....more
Based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by the late Richard Stark (Donald Westlake), artist Darwyn Cooke adapMan, was this all kinds of awesome.
Based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by the late Richard Stark (Donald Westlake), artist Darwyn Cooke adapted it to the graphic novel medium. Parker, set up by a desperate man in need of paying off some sketchy loans, seemingly returns from the dead to settle a score. Running through members of a massive crime organization dubbed, The Outfit, Parker makes it clear he wants his money back - at any cost.
I know I've been told 'round these parts that Parker is an excellent character, but after reading this, I couldn't believe just how bad-ass he was. That's right, I went there. Not only was he calm, confident and collected in just about everything he did; he kicked some serious ass in the process.
Also, the artwork in this was just tremendous. Cooke painted the world of 1960s New York in blacks, whites and various shades of blue. I've never seen anything like it and it really fit the atmosphere of Stark's story.
I'll go so far as to say this is easily one of my new favorites and the best graphic novel I've read since Batman's The Long Halloween. I have no idea how this measures up to the original source but if it's any indication on how this series is set to progress, count me in as a extremely interested.
This series is shaping up to be one of my all time favorites.
When we last left Yorick, he was trying to travel across the United States with the help This series is shaping up to be one of my all time favorites.
When we last left Yorick, he was trying to travel across the United States with the help of Agent 355 and Dr. Mann. This is especially difficult when most roadways are blocked with abandoned vehicles and other large obstacles. Therefore, the best route of travel? Train. The trip is interrupted quickly when attacked by a gang of women separate from the Amazons. Once again, their journey is thrown into disarray. To go any further in the plot description would throw some major spoilerific elements your way, so I'll stop right here.
Going back to that opening sentence of mine - I really hated putting that in there. I mean, I've only just finished the 2nd book (of ten)! However, I honestly feel that way. In the second collection, we are given a whole hell of a lot of character development and story progression. Not only are we witness to several high anxiety confrontations but A LOT of revelations as well. All of these characters stay interesting especially considering Brian K. Vaughn just keeps throwing more people at us. You never get that feeling that Vaughn is trying to stretch the story out in a way that's not needed - length for the sake of it.
It probably goes without saying, but the artwork is fantastic. It plays out like watching a great action movie. Pia Guerra does an excellent job displaying Vaughn's vision with quick cutting and suspense building images.
I have high hopes for the remainder of this series. The only problem in getting these from my local library is waiting until the next one is available. Probably should've done the smart thing and taken them out all at once....more
Man, am I going to be sad when I officially get caught up and I have no more Scudder books to read. Good thing I have about 11 more to go!
When you picMan, am I going to be sad when I officially get caught up and I have no more Scudder books to read. Good thing I have about 11 more to go!
When you pick this book up, you're going to notice some major changes to the Scudder universe. At the end of Eight Million Ways to Die, Matt comes to terms with his alcoholism and attends - and participates - in an AA Meeting. At the beginning of this novel, Matt is 3 years sober and is heavily involved in the program. Also, we meet a new character (Mick Ballou) who is destined, so I hear, to become an integral part of the series.
I was very pleased with Out on the Cutting Edge overall. The integration of two mysteries made for a compelling read, as Scudder is rarely concentrating on one case for a lengthy period of time. I can say with confidence that I did not see that ending coming whatsoever. Block did it again - leading me in one direction and blindsiding me with where he intended to end up. Nothing satisfies me more that when I think I have it figured out only to be so wrong that I yell, "WHAT?!" out loud when it's revealed.
I can't recommend this series enough and I'm happy Block has written so many installments. ...more
Man, this took me a while to finish. It certainly had nothing to do with the plot, the characters or the author’s pacing; I just picked the wrong timeMan, this took me a while to finish. It certainly had nothing to do with the plot, the characters or the author’s pacing; I just picked the wrong times to read. Almost every time I picked this book up, I dozed off. What had made this experience so frustrating was that I really liked it and I would find myself getting angry and wondering if I was suffering from narcolepsy. Trust me, if you’re unable to find a story about a mute, Irish getaway driver at least a little interesting, there may be something chemically wrong with you. I blame the removal of daylight savings time last weekend.
Books like The Wheelman are the reason I’m leaning towards literature as my main source of action-fiction. Hey, I love watching big explosions and car chases in movies and television just as much as the next guy but it takes real writing chops to be able to write an action thriller so clearly that it throws away the need for a visual medium; and boy does he have some chops.
I found a lot of parallels between this and one of my favorite books I had read last year, Kiss Me, Judas. Not in the sense that we’re looking a novel here that mirrors the neo noir genre like Kiss Me, Judas but a lot of the characters and Swierczynski’s prose seemed pretty similar to Will Christopher Baer. Both novels share fast paced and often frenetic action, with action scenes happening within pages of each other. Swierczynski’s prose can be quick and the dialogue is often pretty sharp, so I found myself flying through large chunks of the book in each sitting.
Like Dan wrote in the comments section of this review, I also “have some serious love” for this novel and I have a lot of high hopes for Duane Swierczynski. I’ve read a few reviews of his other novels and have officially placed them on my radar. The man shows definite promise, and with the introduction of a signature character in his catalog and the beginnings of a series, I’m pretty excited to dig into it....more
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