The Walking Dead Compendium Two by Robert Kirkman & Charlie Adlard

I wanted to put off reading Compendium Two for the next pay check. Even at a discount price, this undead tome is still quite expensive. After my sudden coming to for Kirkman's zombie bestseller, I couldn't hold back my urge. Rather than buying it at my usual hunting grounds (online or Barnes & Noble), I purchased this guy at Walmart. No need wiping your computer screen, I bought this guy at the super-center for $4.31 more than I would have paid at Barnes & Noble online. What can I say? I love instant gratification over savings.

I'm almost certain that I devoured the second forty-eight issues faster than the first. The story opens after the attack on the prison, with Rick and Carl pushing forward after the death of two loved ones. Kirkman opens the door for a darker passage of time, where are heroes see their truer selves. On the brink of insanity and survival instinct, Kirkman touches on something very little zombie movies and books feature, human nature. Where the reasoning and rationalizing ends and the justification for the evils we're forced to in order to survive out in the undead wilderness. Rick is pushed into trusting new members and a new community, and pushed passed his limits. In the end, he comes to realize his purpose in the world. And it's not one we were expecting. At least, not me.

Laying off on Kirkman's writing with this book. Either I'm getting used to it, or he learned to share the storytelling with artist Charlie Adlard. Adlard's work is haunting, depicting every annoyance, every forced smile, every bit of anger the characters convey. It's an amazing body of work, and I'm a fool for doubting it in the past. And as an act of contrition, I will force everyone who hasn't read these books to do so.

The Walking Dead Compendium Two is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Until next time, keep on huntin'.

The Walking Dead Compendium One by Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, and Tony Moore

In the past, I've given The Walking Dead comic series in the past. Namely for my disliking of Robert Kirkman's inability to share a panel with the artist he's working with. Sure, there are a lot of silent panels that graces the pages, only after he's taken up an entire page with his word balloons. I stopped reading the series (in trade form) before I made it to the Governor arc. I don't know what possessed me to purchase Compendium One, I just did.

There was something that began to nag at me. Something, I couldn't put my finger on until I cracked the pages of Compendium Two (which I purchased yesterday, against my better judgement - monetary reasons, not taste). He makes no use of captions. Outside of comic strips and slice of life graphic novels, traditional comic books have made great usage of captions, even if it's just the "Meanwhile" piece. And that's when I cracked a knowing grin.

While I still feel Mr. Kirkman should stick to prose or TV scripting - he's a great writer, don't get me wrong, but his need for dialogue that often falls upon the repetitive and unnecessary still makes my skin crawl while reading his comic books - I've learned to reassess my opinion on his zombie series. If anyone should know that when it comes to the zombie genre it's often times the people that make the story flow, it's me. Loving the undead since a child, I respect the man's ability for us to draw our own conclusions and make our own captions subconsciously. He doesn't need that written down, doesn't need it to make his story flow from past to present to meanwhile.

It's a great job he's done, and he's won my respect.

The Walking Dead Compendium One is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Until next time, keep on huntin'.

Let's Talk About... The Walking Dead, Season 3

So unless you've been living under a rock, or just have no sense of entertainment, you have to agree that The Walking Dead is one of the best shows on television. And that's even despite the fact that the comic series is horrendous (okay, that's just my opinion, some of you might actually like the redundancy of Robert Kirkman's writing). And since it's already two days since the mid-season finale aired (so, if you haven't watched that, you may want to avoid this post due to possible spoilers that will more likely ruin your experience).

At the end of season two, the rest of the motley crew of zombie apocalypse survivors learn the terrible truth (and we finally got to understand the series title)–they are the walking dead, not the zombies. It doesn't matter how you die, as long as your brain is intact, you will come back. Rick not only drops that bomb, he admits that he killed Shane for the group–though I suspect he was just talking to Lori at that moment–and states that their party is no longer a democracy, but a–dare I say it?–Rick-ocracy.

Season three opens some months later, with the remainder of the group doing what they can to make it into the next day. Lori is full-blown pregnant, Carl is forced to grow up–no more get back in the house, Carl--and the men seem to be sporting some awesome facial hair–though somehow Daryl and Rick keep it at a bare minimum, and that goes for their hair, too. Andrea and Michonne are on their own–unless you include her two zombie pets–and everyone thinks that the former is dead (so it doesn't make them assholes).

Because I'm pressed for time, and you attention, I won't get into the entire series. So let's just dissect the finale and talk about a few things I'm glad about this season. The latter first. I'm happy that Lori's finally gone, and I'm also happy she had a more respective death than what happened in the comic. I'm also happy that Judith gets to live for a little bit longer (that's assuming that the show runners really want to keep a baby in the series). Carl's metamorphosis from the little shit (sorry for the lack of a better word) to the man he  is in this season is something to smile upon. The introduction of the prisoners actually goes a lot better than it did in the comic, though that will become redundant if I keep comparing the series to the comic. I like how we see the Governor's descent to pure insanity, starting with the asshole stage. And, of course, Michonne's now in the series, and how can you not like that?

Now, for the former. Season three has been a whirl wind of events. We lost a lot of good people this season. But I get the feeling that the show runners only like having one black male character in the series. T-Dogg died during the season, and Oscar–one of the prisoners–took his spot as token black guy. He was killed off before the end of the finale, the same episode that Tyreese is introduced. And Morgan? Well, he wasn't ever going to be a main black character. He only appeared in one episode--though it's rumored he will return to the cast in the next half. The Governor betraying Merle is something I anticipated since I saw the look in Merle's eye when he wasn't allowed to go searching for Daryl. Pitting the two brothers against each other was also an inevitable move–if not the Governor, Rick would surely have pushed for it. Shane appearing at the end–well, Rick thought it was Shane–shows us that Rick is becoming emotionally compromised, just as the Governor is becoming the true monster we all knew he was. Andrea not trusting Michonne (though letting her go) has pretty much sealed the deal that I can't stand her and want walkers to rip her apart. The man had his zombie daughter locked up in a room full of zombie heads, how can she not see what he really is?! Michonne realizing that she needs the team more than they need her–emotionally, anyway–shows there is some humanity inside her computeristic personality. And I'm sure there's going to be some business with Axel next half season, so that's something to keep an eye out for.

The mid-season finale's cliff hanger wasn't as exciting as I anticipated–season two's mid-finale ended with a zombified Sophia emerging from the barn, though we all knew in our hearts she was there all along. So what do we have to look forward to next season? More Tyreese, that's for sure. And the possibility that we finally learn what happened to Morgan and Duane. And Merle's redemption and Andrea's inevitable fate of being Lilly Caul or dying brutally at the hands of the Governor and/or walkers. That's about it. We'll just have to wait and see.

The Walking Dead returns to AMC on February 10th. Until next time, keep on huntin'.

The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks by Max Brooks

With the World War Z adaptation poster and trailer release, I thought I'd celebrate by reading this book. Okay, fine, I'll admit this just happened to be in our department this morning for reasons unknown. I just happened to find it and check it out today. And I devoured it in one sitting. Which isn't saying much considering it's such a thin graphic novel.

Still, for something so thin, it packs quite the punch. Max Brooks has a way with words, and Ibriam Roberson's art is reminiscent of the Tales of the Black Freighter comic-within-a-comic found within the pages of Watchmen. For those just entering the Zombie literary scene, it's quite a useful tool. For those of us who have been among the hordes for years, it's a nifty run down of Zombie history, namely Solanum's history. 

Found within the covers are twelve tales ranging from 60,000 BC to AD 1992. Using historical twists and turns in zombie favor, Max Brooks presents us the perfect companion to his survival guide and World War Z. 

You can pick up the Recorded Attacks at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. It is also available for Nook. In the meanwhile, here's the trailer for World War Z, starring Brad Pitt.

Explorer: The Mystery Boxes edited by Kazu Kibuishi

The other day, someone on Tumblr shared the Emily Carroll graphic story, "His Face All Red." If you haven't read, I urge you to check it out. I shared the story with my coworkers, and they loved it. So yesterday, I see this book as I'm shelving the graphic novels and put it aside. I looked through it when we first got it in June, but I didn't give it much attention because of the Summer Program. I cracked it open and scanned the first few pages, realizing the art looked familiar. This was Emily Carroll's story, her art. "Under the Floorboards" follows the tale of a girl who takes advantage of a wax figure's kindness. When it is not returned, the doll becomes enraged. Dark. Unsettling, but it's no "His Face All Red," I can tell you that much. Intrigued, I continued onward.

The collection tells tales about boxes. Some contain good things, others bad. Some of the stories are lighthearted, while others take a darker tone. Still, it's appropriate for kids.

In "Spring Cleaning," Oliver discovers a box within his messy closet. A valuable box, indeed, that wizards are after. "The Keeper's Treasure," follows a young man as he uncovers a treasure and a new friend who has never stepped foot outside into the world. "The Butter Thief" reminds us that it's better to keep our word than to be dishonorable, whereas, "The Solider's Daughter" tells us to seek solace rather than vengeance. "Whatzit" is a humorous tale that reminds us curiosity, while great for our development, can bring us some trouble. And Kazu Kibuishi's "The Escape Option," reminds us that we cannot escape our fates.

Explorer: The Mystery Boxes is highly entertaining, and provides a vast amount of morals in such a short book. A must read for children and their parents.

You can pick up a copy at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Batman: Eye of the Beholder by Tony S. Daniel

What can I say? It falls short. Then again, being divorced from the comic book world for so long tends to leave a guy straggling behind. Playing catch up is hardly any fun. Tony S. Daniel brings us a story that I gave half my attention to. Compared to the other Dick-Grayson-as-Batman tales I've read lately, this one didn't capture my attention all that much. Maybe it's because Bruce Wayne makes an appearance and then vanishes. Or it's the Lazarus pits. Or the fact I never read up on how Bruce died and was brought back. Or maybe it's just that I didn't care for the story - though I did like Enigma, The Riddler's "daughter." And Two-Face making an appearance in the second book. I don't know. There are just holes in the story that I blame on my separation.

Outside of my sorta liking the story, I will admit that the art is decent, though at times it feels less gritty that it should. I don't know. Maybe it's just me.

Anyway, you can pick up a copy of Batman: Eye of the Beholder at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Until next time, happy huntin'.

Batman: Earth One by Geoff Johns

Quite a few people seem to hate reboots. Had it not been for Frank Miller's Year One, I might not have even fallen into the comic book world. At least, not respect the Dark Knight as much as I do. So when there's a reboot on a popular character's history, I'm all ears. While Geoff Johns's re-imagining of the mythos doesn't compare to Miller's, or Kane's for that matter, we shouldn't discredit it automatically. Instead, we should embrace it. This isn't the ruining of a character, this is introducing him to another generation of comic book goers.

What stays the same? Batman is still born into the darkness by the murders of his parents. He is still motivated to save the streets of Gotham in the end. And Alfred is still his guardian, friend, and snarky conscience.

The difference is, we have Alfred, not as a butler, but, as an old war acquaintance of Thomas Wayne. Speaking of which, Thomas Wayne is running for mayor of Gotham when he and his wife were killed. Of course, it is believed that the Mayor is responsible for this murder. Who is the mayor, you ask? Oswald Cobblepot. James Gordon is introduced as a broken man. Not crooked, just defeated by the ways of Gotham – his wife was killed in an auto accident which he believes was fixed. Harvey Bullock is a former Hollywood detective celebrity who acts as Gordon's conscience, motivating the defeated man to stand his ground against the scum.

Christopher Nolan started something with his Dark Knight trilogy – that much is clear. The realism  of this brave new Gotham fills the page in Gary Frank's art. And the life Geoff Johns breathes into familiar characters proves that this new take should stick around. And shame on those of you who say that this is a bastardized version of a beloved icon. Most of you aren't old enough to fully appreciate Bob Kane's work to begin with. The fact that Batman has evolved so much in his time in the comic book universe is proof of that. This isn't our Batman. It wasn't meant to be our Batman.

You can pick up Batman: Earth One at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Until next time, keep on huntin'.

Batman: The Black Mirror by Scott Synder

It'd be a lie if I said there was some skepticism on my part about Dick Grayson picking up the cowl. And whatever I did feel at first was exterminated. There is no doubt, Dick Grayson makes one hell of a Dark Knight, despite the differences in performance – even The Joker seems a little down in the dumps about it.

What Scott Synder does with this story arc is absolutely jaw-dropping. The reality vision of The Dark Knight Saga brought to life by Chris Nolan is entwined with our favorite comic book aspects. Dick Grayson learns that Gotham isn't the city of his childhood. It isn't even the city he knew a few months ago. And as Jim Gordon suggests, there's something dark about the city, something evil running through its veins that just make the people living within it bad. Enter James Gordon, son of the commissioner, whose shady past still haunts him. Whenever James is around, bad things happen to good people. And while Barbara Gordon isn't convinced that her step-brother has turned a new leaf, both Dick and Jim are giving the guy the benefit of the doubt. Besides, there's no time to focus on just one person when there is a slew of new villains walking the streets. And not to mention everyone's favorite clown breaks free from Arkham. But can this new Batman connect the pieces before all those he loves pays the price?

As I said, Scott Synder creates a new world for Batman. A world where the criminals match Dick Grayson's version. As for the artists, creating a depraved world isn't easy. But both Jock and Francesco Francavilla did awesome jobs.

You can pick up Batman: The Black Mirror at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Until next time, keep on huntin'.

Save some money on your favorite books @ Better World Books

Kick-Ass 2 by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr.

Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl are back and their tooling the f@#k up and taking to the streets to face against Red Mist (now known as The Mother Fucker) and his army of bad-ass villains.

Only a few months have passed since the first book's ending. While Dave Lizewski trains to better himself as a superhero, Mindy Macready struggles with a normal life. Inspired by the events in Kick-Ass, several citizens are inspired to don the mask and fight alongside the hero. But a world of superheroes is nothing without a challenging nemesis. Embittered by the slaying of his father, Red Mist organizes his own team by gathering people from all over the world to take down Kick-Ass, Hit-Girl, and their superhero brethren. How far will each side go to live up their comic book fantasies? Who stands in the way? And will Mindy have to break a promise she made in order to save the city?

Maybe it's the fact that Kick Ass 2: The Movie hasn't even begun pre-production - I'm only assuming here - but this book is way better than the first one. Way better than anything I ever read by Mark Millar. If I could, I'd marry this book. That is, if I didn't know there was a third book on its way. A go-between that occurs after Kick-Ass but occurs before Kick-Ass 2 entitled Hit-Girl. That's right. Our favorite preteen slaughtering superhero is getting her own book!

I'm await it eagerly. I might not even want to wait for the hardcover.

You can pick up your copy of Kick-Ass 2 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Until next time, happy huntin'.

Kick-Ass by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr.

So I purchased Kick-Ass on BluRay the other day. It was at discount. Included digital download and the DVD. Awesome, right? Right. As I watched it for the seventeenth time, I came to a shocking realization. I've never read the comic book. Egads! What sort of fan boy am I? A terrible one, that's what! I hopped on Amazon and saw that Kick-Ass 2 was available for pre-order (it's on sale now, by the way) so I picked up that, too. I don't know where this money is coming from because I have a two-month-old and I'm not supposed to do this impromptu shopping anymore. Damnit! I still managed to hit checkout.

Remember when I read Wanted after being convinced to after watching the movie? Remember how I said that when it came down to it, you're better off watching the movie? Remember how much I hated myself for saying that? Well, get ready for take two of that. Yes. With Kick-Ass, you're probably better off watching the movie instead. That is, unless, you like the gritty realism the book contains.

Mark Millar's not about the Hollywood ending. Not about the whole Hollywood beginning, either. In Kick-Ass he presents something in-your-face, and is not afraid to hold the sugarcoating. Sure, there are times when I felt the story just dragged - which is a feat as it only contains seven chapters - but it has something the movie doesn't have - realism. Wait, I said that already.

And if Millar's realistic take of a bored teenager turned superhero doesn't appeal to you, then the blood and grit of John Romita, Jr. is - for lack of a better phrase - to die for.

So okay, it might not be the best graphic novel you'll ever read. But goddamn, is it one worth reading.

Kick-Ass is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. While you're at it, pick up a copy of Kick-Ass 2.

Until next time, keep on huntin'.

Batman: Long Shadows by Judd Winick

It's no secret: I am a fan of the Dark Knight, but I'm on the fence with Long Shadows. Don't get me wrong, Dick Grayson is an awesome Robin, a better Nightwing, but a second rate Batman. No one can replace the original, but maybe that's the point of the graphic novel. He's not replacing Bruce Wayne, he's making Batman his own persona.

Major plot hole, however. If Dick Grayson replaced Wayne as Batman so the public doesn't realize the Dark Knight has died, how does one explain the sudden disappearance of Nightwing? Couple with the new, happier, media-friendly Batman, I'd imagine more eyebrows were raised and not just Two Face's.

Judd Winick does present us with a great tale, but I'm not about to go suggest it to Batman fans. Maybe Grayson fans. And the artwork adds to the story, but then again, I always say this. SPOILER ALERT: I'm in love with the Two Face Batman hallucination. Perhaps Judd Winick can play with that in another tale - hint hint, wink wink.

Batman: Long Shadows is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Until next time, keep on huntin'.

G.I. Joe: Hearts & Minds by Max Brooks

As a child, I loved G.I. Joe. I had the toys; I watched the cartoon show. The movie wasn't up to par, but I didn't hate it. It's goofy. It's fun. It's not to be taken seriously. Not even by a G.I. Joe fan - okay, maybe if that fan is under ten. Sad to say, I grew up.

It's nice to see that the team grew up with me. Especially with writer, Max Brooks taking the experience to another level with his graphic novel, Hearts & Minds. I can't give a summary of the book because there is no plot. The stories found within the covers aren't intertwining - not by much, anyway - but a collection of stand-alones that create an origin tale for G.I. Joe and Cobra characters. 

My favorites include "Tripwire," "Dr. Mindbender," and "Recruits." However, the entire books is worth the read. Max Brooks has a way with words as his father has a way with comedy. And the illustrations by Howard Chaykin and Antonio Fuso breath to life the monsters and heroes of our childhood. 

Yes, Hearts & Minds is a must read for any and all G.I. Joe fans - mostly like those above the age of ten.

You can pick up Hearts & Minds at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It is also available for Nook.

Until next time, keep on huntin'.

Binky to the Rescue by Ashley Spires

After abandoning his plans for space travel to protect his humans, Binky gave up on any chance for stepping foot outside the space station. That is, until he accidentally falls out of a window. He always knew that being a member of F.U.R.S.T. came with its share of dangers, but space is a dangerous place for a kitty. Luckily his humans come to HIS rescue. Everything returns to normal until - GASP!!! Where's his best friend, Ted? Outside!!! Right beneath the alien spacecraft!!! Will Binky take his chances in outer space, or will his first and only visit spell doom for his mousie?

Ashley Spires does not disappoint in the follow up to Binky the Space Cat. It's as hilarious as its predecessor and its successor - just as gassy, too!

You can pick up your copy of Binky to the Rescue at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Until next time, keep on huntin'.

You can read my reviews of Binky the Space Cat and Binky Under Pressure on this blog.

Binky The Space Cat by Ashley Spires

Back in February, I green dotted - the process in which I place a green dot on a new book - entitled Binky Under Pressure by Ashley Spires. At the time, I didn't know that Binky was already a well known space cat. I just saw the short graphic novel - graphic novella? - as cute. I mean, it's about a cat who thinks outside the house equals outer space! To my knowledge, we didn't hold the other books - we do, by the way, just not all in the same section for some strange reason (libraries lack logic). 

So yesterday, I picked up the first book and gave it a read. And Ashley Spires did not disappoint. 

Binky may seem like an ordinary cat,  but he has a purpose. After receiving his acceptance letter to F.U.R.S.T. - Felines of the Universe Ready for Space Travel - he takes the much needed steps for space exploration. The only problem is, Binky begins to worry about his humans. Who would take care of them from the evil aliens that are constantly invading the space station? Will Binky be able to part with them in order to have adventures in outer space?

Ashley Spires delivers a hilarious little tale about a kitten who had a dream and learns what's most important in life.

Binky the Space Cat is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol

I picked up Anya's Ghost before the weekend last week to read after finishing up with How to Train Your Dragon. However, Cowell's fantasy story about a boy and his dragon was less than captivating that I never got around to Brosgol's graphic novel. And this morning, when I finished reading How to Train Your Dragon, I started reading Erin Hunter's Warriors: Into the Wild - the first book of the original series, which is currently only $0.99 for Kindle. I also purchased this e-book on Friday before the weekend started. Before continuing with Into the Wild this afternoon, I decided to take a crack on Brosgol's book. I didn't intend to devour it so quickly - it's common for me to do this with a graphic novel, so I do attempt to pace myself - but it's just so entertaining that I couldn't put it down. 

It's a great book - funny, cute, and creepy all in one. However, the thing that I found most disturbing is how I found this book in the department I work in - the children's! I'm not an uber conservative person - if you look at my posts, you'll see this - but there are just some things I think aren't suitable for juvenile readers. Suggestive sex is one thing, manwhoring is another. Let's not ignore the creepy part of the book, which I won't reveal for fear of posting up spoilers.

The story follows Anya Borzakovskaya, a Russian immigrant who has spent most of her adolescent life erasing her cultural past in order to fit in. Your typical misanthropic teen girl who secretly pines over the jock boy and obsessing with her weight. One day, as she walks off some steam, she falls into a well where she discovers the remains of a girl who died over ninety years ago. To make things worse, the same girl is still taking up residence there - her ghost, anyway. When a piece of the girl's bones escapes with Anya, Emily Reilly - the ghost's real name - begins to haunt Anya's life - which is welcome. Emily helps Anya cheat on tests and improves her social and love life. But there's something off about Emily Reilly and Anya sets off to see what secrets her otherworldly friend has taken to her graven. What she discovers not only puts her in the line of trouble, it also threatens those she loves.

Anya's Ghost is a captivating read, perhaps for a young adult reader rather than a juvenile one. It's one part quirky, one part horror, and completely entertaining. Most young readers might relate to some of the everyday perils Anya finds herself in, regardless if they're immigrants. 

You can find Anya's Ghost on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Until next time, keep on huntin'.

Doofus and Valiant by English Teacher X

via SmashWords

Remember those old issues of Highlights you read as children? Remember the polar opposite young boys named Goofus and Gallant? They had their own comic strip and everything. Goofus was the screw up of the duo, while Gallant did everything right. Well, I suppose, Doofus and Valiant - the short graphic story - explains what happens to the two after they graduate college and become English teachers.

And that's pretty much all I have to say about the story. Well, not really. I've never read anything by English Teacher X. Never even heard of him until this ebook, actually. The story's comical, but it's doesn't really offer anything - then again, neither did Goofus and Gallant. It's a quick read. And it's very much worth the price.

Doofus and Valiant is available on SmashWords for the low, low price of nothing.

Until next time, keep on huntin'.

Saw something that piqued your attention on the Oscar's last night? Why not check it out? Shop Amazon Movie - Oscar Central!

Binky Under Pressure by Ashley Spires

via Waking Braincells

If you haven't been keeping up, I work at the children's department of the local library. One of the perks that's stapled to the job is getting to see the new book arrivals. Some of these are reminiscent of my childhood - I recently green dotted a copy of Horrible Harry and the Ant Invasion, which is actually packed somewhere in this house - and others just bring the child out of me. Enter Binky, space cat. 

Binky and I only became acquainted recently. And if what Ashley Spires presents in Binky Under Pressure reflects anything in the other books, then I hope the department has the other books (I found out today that we have Binky the Space Cat, but not Binky to the Rescue - though that latter just might not be on the shelves as I didn't browse the card catalog).

Binky is a great space cat. He remembers his exploration into outer space fondly. And while space was fun, he couldn't imagine leaving his humans. Still, he protects his space station from the alien invaders that attempt break in.

Enter a new invader: Gracie. Another cat moving into Binky's territory, eating his food, stealing HIS best friend! Binky. Must. Bring. It. But Gracie isn't all that she appears - is she a friend or foe?

It's a fun read. I'm even sure your kids will love it.

Binky Under Pressure is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Until next time, keep on huntin'.

X-Men: Magneto Testament by Greg Pak & Carmine Di Giandomenico

via Comic Vine

"Sometimes in this life, you get a moment, a time when everything lines up. When anything is possible. When suddenly you can make things happen. God help us if we take that moment. And God forgive us if we don't."

Those are the words we deserved to hear on the big screen, instead we got X-Men: First Class. Not that I'm comparing standing up against the S.S. men during the holocaust to a mediocre movie. It's nothing like that. As a fan of the X-Men franchise, I feel we deserved something better. Something that helped us understand Magneto's anger. After reading Greg Pak's story in X-Men: Magneto Testament, I say that we finally have it. However, the miniseries was overlooked. It still deserves a adaptation of its own. Maybe not for the big screen, but for the small screen. A direct-to-DVD animated film. Something to think about. 

The five-part miniseries that chronicles Max Esienhardt's life during the most horrific time in human history. From being mistreated because he was a Jew in an all Aryan school to witnessing the murder of his family to finally taking a stand against the monsters who stole his childhood away from him. Di Giandomenico's art work captures emotions - though, at some points, it's hard to decipher one character from the next, even Max's love interest, Magda, looks similar to Max. 

That aside, the story and art play off each other when it comes to the emotions. Even in the happier panels in the first chapter are dreary and dark. There is little room for happiness in this story. And the grains that we received are treasured. 

The graphic novel also includes historical notes and pointers, even adding a section to use the story as a text book. It's more than just a comic book, I should say. It allows us to see the monstrous side of humanity by using something familiar to us.

Until next time, keep on huntin'.

You can purchase X-Men: Magneto Testament at [[Amazon]] or [[B&N]]

American Vampire Vol. 1 by Scott Synder, Stephen King & Rafael Albuquerque

via Wikipedia

Very few people are original these days when it comes to old mythos. Rarely do I see any evolution of fantastical creatures of old lore, so it's always refreshing to see a new take on something familiar. We're in the age of the undead - be it zombies returning to pay homage to our society, or vampires representing civil movements. However, if all you're adding to a mythos is talking zombies or vampires who sparkle in the sun, then you're clearly missing the point of evolution. Rather than evolving the creatures, you're simply dumbing them down to fit your homage to nothing. You should've written fanfiction instead. Though, even fanfiction adds to the mythos rather than raping it - yes, even the homoeroticism of every fanfiction adds more to the mythology than Mormon-esque philosophy and horny teenagers.

For most of their existence, vampires have been shrouded in darkness. Very few people have attempted to change that - day-walkers weren't scary enough, or thrilling enough (or sparkly enough, apparently). They are always placed in dank, dark locations because that's how it's always been. With the obvious exception of Anne Rice's existential vampires, who seem to find sunny areas like California and Miami quite alluring, even though they still only come out at night. 

In American Vampire, writers Scott Synder and Stephen King offer us something new for us to sink our fangs in. Blending the old Euro Vampires - you know, the fancy dressed ones who hate the sun - with a "new vampire for a new century." 

Blending the last years of the Wild West with 1920s America, the story follows the origin of the American Vampire and the war brewing between the old and the new. Stephen King focuses on the origin story, following outlaw Skinner Sweet as he descends into the well-lit realms of the American vampire as the Euro Vampires stand in shock of the abomination that is their bloodline. As Skinner Sweet tears through the new the century seeking revenge, he realizes the old west he once knew is coming to an end; meanwhile, lawman James Book is hot on his trail, seeking retribution of his own and hoping to put Sweet in his grave for good. Meanwhile, Scott Synder focuses on the twentieth century vampire and Skinner Sweet creation, Pearl Jones. The ambitious young actress is lured into her grave by her fading hopes of becoming a well-known actress. It's Skinner Sweet who brings her back from the dead in hopes that she will aid him in the destruction of those who made him what he is. Pearl seeks vengeance of her own on the Euro Vampires, killing them one at a time. The war is far from over in the conclusion of the first volume, as figures from Sweet's past return to finish what Book couldn't do.

The first volume is well thought out, and the characters are amazing. The fact that it blends two of my favorite time-periods is just the added bonus. The fact that something so well crafted by Stephen King has actually reached my eyes - let's remember my love/hate relationship with the writer - gives me goosebumps and keeps me wanting more. 

Oh well. Until next time, keep on huntin'.

Purchase American Vampire at [[Amazon/Paperback]] [[Kindle]] [[B&N/Hardcover]] [[Nook]]

Books of 2011

1. The Queen of the Damned - Anne Rice
2. "What is an Agnostic" (essay) - Bertrand Russell (read my thoughts here & here)
3. God is Not One - Stephen Prothero (read my thoughts here)
4. Darkly Dreaming Dexter - Jeff Lindsay
5. Dearly Devoted Dexter - Jeff Lindsay
6. The Original of Laura - Vladimir Nabokov
7. Gospel of Judas - Rodolphe Kasser, Marvin Meyer, and Gregor Wurst (editors)
8. Vixen - Jillian Larkin
9. Twin Forks (short story) - Daniel Woodrell
10. Like a Girl (short story) - Alison Tyler
11. Doc - Mary Doria Russell
12. On Finding Jon's Porn (short story) - Alison Tyler
13. Good Doggy (short story) - Gemma Parkes
14. Home Visits (short story) - Gemma Parkes
15. Hungry for Your Love - Lori Perkins (editor)
16. Dexter in the Dark - Jeff Lindsay
17. Dexter by Design - Jeff Lindsay
18. The Crow - J. O'Barr
19. Wanted - Mark Millar (writer), J.G. Jones (pencils & inks), and Paul Mounts (colors)
20. Son of M - David Hine (writer) and Roy Allan Martinez (artist)
21. Spider-Man: Maximum Carnage - Tom DeFalco, J.M. DeMatteis, Terry Kavanagh, David Michelinie (writers)
22. Marvel Zombies - Robert Kirkman (writer) and Sean Phillips (artist)
23. X-Men: Age of Apocalypse the Complete Epic Book 1 - Howard Mackie, John Francis Moore, et al (writers), Terry Dodson, Steve Epting, et al (artists)
24. X-Men: Age of Apocalypse the Complete Epic Book 2 - Fiabian Nicieza, Scott Lobdell, et al (writers), Tony Daniel, Salvador Larroca, et al (artists)
25. X-Men: Age of Apocalypse the Complete Epic Book 3 - Larry Hama, Terry Kavanagh, et al (writers), Adam Kubert, Chris Bachalo, et al (artists)
26. X-Men: Age of Apocalypse the Complete Epic Book 4 - Judd Winick, Jeph Loeb, et al (writers), Ben Herrera, Roger Cruz, et al (artists)
27. DC Versus Marvel Comics - Ron Marz & Peter David (writers), Dan Jurgens, Josef Rubinstein, et al (artists)
28. The Silent Girl - Tess Gerritsen
29. Spider-Man: Reign - Kaare Andrews (writer & artist) with Jose Villarrubia (artist)
30. Speak - Laurie Halse Anderson
31. Dexter is Delicious - Jeff Lindsay
32. HitRECord: RECollections Vol. 1 - Joseph Gordon-Levitt (editor)
33. Smart Ass - Alison Tyler, Kristina Lloyd, Sommer Marsden, Sophia Valenti & Thomas S. Roche
34. Darkness Falling - Peter Crowther
35. Daddy's Lil Devil - Rachel Boleyn
36. The Death Clock - J. Rock
37. UR - Stephen King
38. Crazy Emma - Brandie Buckwine
39. Mile 81 - Stephen King
40. Cthulhurotica - Carrie Cuinn (editor)
41. Weeping Underwater Looks a Lot Like Laughter - Michael J. White
42. Marvel Zombies 2 - Robert Kirkman (writer) & Sean Phillips (artist)
43. Less Than Zero - Bret Easton Ellis
44. Imperial Bedrooms - Bret Easton Ellis
45. Double Dexter - Jeff Lindsay
46. The Deportees and Other Stories - Roddy Doyle
47. The Pillowman - Martin McDonagh
48. The Walking Dead Vol. 1: Days Gone Bye - Robert Kirkman (writer) & Tony Moore (artist)
49. The Walking Dead Vol. 2: Miles Behind Us - Robert Kirkman (writer) & Charlie Adlard (artist)
50. Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? - Neil Gaiman (writer) & Andy Kubert (artist)
51. The Walking Dead Vol. 3: Safety Behind Bars - Robert Kirkman (writer) & Charlie Adlard (artist)
52. The Martian Child - David Gerrold
53. The Walking Dead Vol. 4: The Heart's Desire - Robert Kirkman (writer) & Charlie Adlard (artist)
54. Go the F**k to Sleep - Adam Mansback (writer) Ricardo Cortes (illustrator)
55. Best Bondage Erotica 2012 - Rachel Kramer Bussel (editor)