Creepy Presents Richard Corben

I wish I had discovered Creepy Magazine when I was a kid.  However, I am enjoying the editions they are publishing now that feature a particular artist.  This time Creepy is all about Richard Corben.

Richard’s style reminds me of Tales from the Crypt.  His image is a little like the Crypt Keeper so maybe that’s why.

Creepy Presents Richard Corben is a collection of short comics from one page inserts to several page stories.  Prepare to be amazed by his trivia and shocked into quiet contemplation as he points out the stupidity that seems to be the primary motivation for humans. 

The art is mostly black and white but that doesn’t leave the images dark like some B&W comics.  It has an older feel to it like images from Vincent Price movies. 

The Occultist by Mike Richardson

An interesting story.  Rob works in a book store and his day is not going all that well.  It gets worse when a secret book decides it likes him and offers him the sword which is a magical power.  Soon Rob’s life changes in ways he never imagined.  He can have whatever he wants with consequences he never imagined.

Soon he’s a hunted man.  He connects to Detective Melendez and the adventures go from there.  I enjoyed the story.  Rob’s a likeable guy. 

The animation is decent, a bit fuzzy in my e-copy but enjoyable.  I loved the monsters and the story lines have lots of potential.  Can’t wait to see more.

Freaks of the Heartland by Steve Niles

This story was not what I had expected from Steve Niles.  If you are not familiar with his work – they are usually violent, horrific stories.  So one about freaks living in the sticks made me think I was picking up something similar to House of 1000 corpses.

Instead what I got was a sweet story about two brothers.  Set in the country in a non-descript time (feels old fashioned but there are little things that make me wonder) Steve Niles has woven a tale that is more haunting than anything else he has written.

Trevor has to help take care of his brother Will, who has been chained up in the barn.  Like a good older brother, Trevor watches out for Will.  Late at night they sneak out to enjoy the fields and moonlight.  However, one night he returns to hear his father talk about how he should have killed Will when he was born.  Will manages to steal away his father’s pistol. 

The next day, a neighbor comes to tell how they will have to kill their daughter.  Trevor’s father decides it’s time – the monsters must go.  Trevor and Will escape but they can’t leave the valley without rescuing the others like Will.

It’s not an overly deep story but the journey the boys go on carried me away.  I wanted to know more at the end.  I would have loved answers but there were none given.  But that didn’t make me love the story less.

The drawings are soft and subtle.  The muted colors would have normally irritated me but I found they worked well with this story.  It added to the timeless feel to the story as if it had been tinted with sepia.  I do think this is one I’d love to revisit time and again, hoping to find more in each panel, each subtle phrase.

Battlepug Volume 1 by Mike Norton

I had the privilege of being introduced to Mike Norton’s work when I read The Curse (due out in October).  The work was so funny, over the top and featured a pug which made the story complete.  When I had the opportunity to read his Battlepug, I knew I had to.

I was not disappointed.  Mike Norton has a dark sense of humor.  Battlepug is sexy, funny and full of action.  No zombies in this one but it’s filled with man-eating oversized animals and a very evil Santa Claus.

I lied – I was disappointed.  The book ended far too soon.  I hate volumes.  I want to devour a story and not have to stop and wait just as it’s getting good.  Mike Norton is a name that will haunt me as I scour comic book stores.  I don’t want your basic superhero – I want Battlepug.

Claws and Saucers by David E Goldweber

If you are a Science Fiction, Horror and/or Fantasy movie buff, like me, then this is a must have for you.  I can’t tell you if it has everything but I will say that I was impressed by how many movies are in this book.  I love horror – the worst ones are my favorite.  I want cheesy and I want lots and lots of blood.  I don’t care if the plot makes sense – makes the movie more entertaining in a MST3K sort of way.

I love talking to the characters and questioning their motives. 

This book spells it all out – which are the good ones and which ones you’re gonna love because they are so bad.

This is not a sit and read sort of book.  You peruse like you’re picking up a date in a bar.  You chat up the pages and ask them out.  You explore the movies and, perhaps, come back and make notes.  This is the sort of book that needs to be shared and passed along. 

The only problem I have is that the new stuff won’t appear magically.  I’d love it if the book stayed current but, alas, they don’t.

However, that’s not going to stop me from working my way through this book and some of the worst movie fests my family has ever seen.

The Last of the Greats by Joshua Hale Fialkov

This was a weird one but I still enjoyed it.  I get the impression I’m missing part of the story and there’s definitely more to come but nothing indicated that this wasn’t a complete tale.

The Last is the last of his kind.  They came to Earth like Gods with a plan that you just get glimpses of.  They cleaned up the environment, healed disease, feed the starving and housed the homeless.  They wanted the nations to give up their military defenses so the world replied by killing them off.  The Last hadn’t joined his siblings in society so when aliens come to attack the Earth, he is their only hope.

However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg in this story.  It’s so multi-layered that I’m left feeling like I haven’t gotten any answers.

It’s well drawn and not for children.  It’s violent and sexual and quite disturbing.  I did enjoy it but it’s bittersweet.  I’m puzzled and wondering if there’s more volumes coming.  Thankfully there’s www.thelastofthegreats.com which gave me the answer – this is volume one.  That’s all I learned from their site.  It’s got potential but it’s falling short.

Star Trek Legion of Superheroes by Chris Roberson

How fun does this sound – mixing Star Trek with DC superheroes. I just knew I had to sample this new comic series. I have to say I was disappointed. The story opens with the Imperial forces (is that really what they were called?) attacking a peaceful planet because they refused to pay taxes. Then the introductions to the Legion of Superheroes left me uninspired. Why are there no cool superheroes in the legion? Perhaps these are the flunkies that get the worst assignments but with names like Chameleon Boy and Brainy I can see why. I wanted something cool. I loved the description of this story – who could resist the mash up of superheroes and Star Trek? I just don’t think the end result was worth it. I found the whole thing far too cartoony. Maybe they are going for a sixties nostalgic feel – a combination of Hanna Barbara and the over the top Star Trek series. I’d believe it if Captain Kirk looked more like William Shatner. As it was the Star Trek characters resembled poorly drawn versions from the television show. This series was completely lost on me. Maybe it’s because I’m not the right audience. It’s always possible but I can’t tell you who would be the perfect audience. My dad might be the target but I can’t picture him even pretending to read a comic book, let alone the entire series.

Dollhouse Volume 1 by Andrew Chambliss

A post-series story following the characters of Dollhouse, this graphic novel is a must have for fans. Those not familiar with the show may find some of the plot confusing but the writer’s did a good job of introducing characters and the Dollhouse. The story begins with a phone call. This is not your normal call but one that threatens to take away all that makes you you. For some, they turned into mindless killers. Others turned into makers of mindless killers. Those who avoided the call are trying to survive in this apocalyptic world. Being this is volume one, there is no tight ending, no wrap up to the story but there was enough of a conclusion that made the story feel whole while still encouraging the reader to see out volume 2. This book makes me want to watch the show all over again – guess what I’m watching on Netflix tonight?

Star Trek Volume 1 by Mike Johnson

It’s nice to see comics coming back into fashion. There are so many new titles this year and Star Trek is one that promises to keep on coming. (Okay the titles may not be exactly new since so many of the lines seem to be based on popular shows/movies/games but you know what I mean.)
Based on the latest Star Trek movie, Mike Johnson continues the story with the characters as we know them from JJ Abrams imagining of the popular series.
I have to say that I’m not sure I like James T Kirk in this one. There’s nothing wrong with him except that he’s an arrogant idiot who really needs to pay more attention but then again he may have always been that way.
Any reader is going to guess what is going to happen when the Enterprise comes across a distress beacon out in space. The reports on the beacon claim there’s something out there and what does Kirk do but ask the crew to pick up the beacon and move forward at full speed. (You know right now what’s going to happen, don’t you?) I hate stupid people.
Aside from that, this is a good start to a new series. Not sure I’ll be in a hurry to pick up the next one but I did enjoy it and will most likely enjoy future issues.

Knits for Nerds by Toni Carr

I have to admit – I can’t knit. I want to but it’s just not a skill I possess. That doesn’t stop me from looking at knitting books and dreaming. Most books are just variations of the same patterns. This one, however, caught my eye with the possibility of something so outrages that I would just have to learn to knit.
I was slightly disappointed in the patterns because they really did come off fairly normal but this book is so fun I didn’t care. It’s the perfect book. Toni Carr is witty and thoroughly entertaining. Her patterns tug at the heart of all those who just love science fiction. A good portion of the patterns are typical but have some root in a science fiction character – for example there are patterns for the signature sweater vests from the characters in Big Bang Theory.
The patterns run from the beautiful to the silly. There is something for everyone in this book. I just need to find someone to knit for me.

Duke Nukem: Glorious Bastard by Tom Waltz

I recognized the name Duke Nukem from conversations with my son and husband but to be honest I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked up this first issue. Duke Nukem is every man’s dream – he’s strong, able to bed many women and just kicks ass.
This is not a series for children. It was entertaining though. I thoroughly enjoyed this issue and will actively seek out the next one. I can see it as something I can enjoy with my husband and my teen son.
I like the art – it’s bright and reminds me of superhero comics (which I guess this is). The story reminded me of Captain America some without being a rewrite of his story line. I like how this story went and where it appears to be going.
It’s got a lot on its plate but doesn’t seem like it’s juggling plot points. There’s time travel, Nazis, aliens and lots of fighting. This is definitely one to check out if you like superhero graphics.

The Griff by Christopher Moore

Today I needed to read something that did not require a review. I picked up Christopher Moore's The Griff from the library. Christopher Moore has several novels that have caught my attention but that haven't made it to being read. The Griff is a graphic novel and I can always slip one in to my reading pile.
I loved this. Slightly humorous and all action. The world has been conquered by dragon-like beings from outerspace. The book follows five survivors as they connect to come up with a solution to their problems.
It's not a deep plot with subtext as novels have a tendency to have but a straight forward good vs evil (more us vs them really). Christopher Moore and Ian Corson originally created this story as a screenplay and I have to tell you - it's a movie I'd watch. I hope that someone steps up and hands them the money to produce it. I can picture it as a great action movie. The characters are just every day people who use the situation to re-invent themselves and their skills.
So, Syfy channel - if you are reading this, I have your next movie right here.

Angel by James Patterson

I can't say this was the best book in the Maximum Ride series but it was definitely the most interesting plot. Fang has left the flock and Max must choose between pining over him or returning the feelings Dylan has for her. It's not a typical triangle. Max and Fang have grown up together as they run from the scientists that created them (for those not reading the series currently the kids have been hybrid with birds and have wings). Dylan was created to be Max's perfect mate.
With Fang gone, Dylan is upping his "game" and working hard to win Max over.
Fang is not without his own turmoil. He left to start his own "flock" of kids who have been experimented on to fight the scientists. Along with new characters, Fang brings Max's clone in to fight. There are some real emotional twists and turns. Fang wants to be with Max but couldn't ask her to give up her destiny to follow his. He misses her so much that it's hard to be with her clone, Maya. Maya doesn't want to be a clone and is struggling to create her own identity which is hard because Fang keeps giving her lovelorn looks.
Max loves Fang but Dylan has a certain synchronicity with her. She wants to be loved for who she is not because the scientists make her the perfect mate. She's certain that Dylan loves her because of chemistry not because of her. Meanwhile, the scientists are pushing for Max and Dylan to run off and have children to ensure the survival of the human race.
As if all that was not enough, a new enemy has emerged called the Doomsday Group who's sole goal is to replace humans with hybrids. The two flocks have to battle an enemy that is recruiting fast and on a one way track to destroying all humanity.
There are so many interesting points in this story. I did get a little annoyed with Max's emotional roller coaster but it was completely understandable. It wasn't untrue to her character but I wished it had been given slightly less focus. It's all building up for the last book which comes out in February. That makes me the most sad. I've really enjoyed these books and these characters. Can't wait to see how it all ends.

Serenity: The Shepard's Tale by Joss and Zack Whedon

I had plans to post a book a day this week since I've got a pile of graphic novels but this one couldn't wait. Not only is it a great book but I didn't want to forget anything so I could share it.
This is a book for fans of the television show Firefly. There's not a lot of development in this graphic novel. It's all backstory about Shepard Book who was a mysterious character through the entire series.
The graphic novel starts with the scene that lead to Book's death in the movie Serenity. It's then told in snippets, each a few year before the previous one. It's an amazing story. There's not a lot of detail but you get a real sense of what happened to him.
Because of the nature of this particular story, there's not a lot I can share without giving away some secrets. I do have to say that the way Joss and Zach wrote this story is perfect. I don't think it would have the same impact if they would have started with his childhood and worked up to his death. The best part of this is not understanding his motivation while you watch the results. It just goes to show you that even great men can have dark pasts and still be great men. I like that God doesn't forsake and even the most humble beginnings can find peace.

Hollowfields by Madeleine Rosca

Earlier this year I reviewed the first volume of Hollowfields, to my surprise we found a copy with all three volumes. This is defininetly the way to go. Hollowfields is such a cute story with so much action that it should please most readers. This is my 14 year old son's favorite story so far.
Nine year old Lucy Snow is going to boarding school for the first time in the middle of the year. She gets lost and finds herself at a school. It's been raining and she is so hungry that she signs the school's contract just to stay inside. It doesn't take long for her to discover she has just joined a school for future mad scientists.
Each Friday, a student with the lowest grades is sent to detention in the Windmill where they are never heard from again. Lucy wants to avoid the Windmill and sneaks out at night to find a dictionary in the library. What she finds is Dr Bleak, a speaking metal cube. Dr Bleak helps her with her assignments and help keeps her out of detention (but just barely because there are forces working against her).
Through the course of the story, Lucy matures (as much as a nine year old can) and finds herself plotting to save the children from the Windmill and free all the students from HollowFields.
There are some scenes that give you the history of the school and how it came to be. It's a rather predictable story but so engaging. Lucy is cute and animated but she's surrounded by all these gruesome experiments. She keeps a very Pollyanna attitude and becomes the hero at the end. There is some animated violence but it's done in such a way that it's not scary. There's a lot of humor and silly cartoon antics.

The Exile by Diana Gabaldon

I had no idea what this graphic novel was about but I could tell it was based on a book series (in my head it was a different series but oh well). Having no previous experience with the Outlander books this made for a nice introduction. I was a little confused by the story knowing that subtle details were missing. That's the problem with converting a book into a graphic novel - things have to change. I found the story to have far too many characters for me to keep straight. In a novel, that's not a problem because the reader is told who is who but in a graphic novel you have to distinguish each character visually and in this case it just did not work as well as I would have liked.
The story is a good story and I have added Outlander to my reading list. It's a twist in the fantasy/sci-fi genre. Jamie Fraser lives in Scotland and the story takes place in 1743. He's returned home from war with a price on his head and a plot to kill him. Claire Randall wakes up in the center of the stones to find that she has entered his time without any reason as to why. Jamie is forced to marry her to save her life and his as well. It's an interesting story and one I am sure plays out better in the novel.

My Flashy Words by Nancy Cavanaugh

I am knee deep in the middle of Stephen King's newest book Full Dark No Stars, leaving me with no book to share this week. I didn't think that was acceptable especially since I am trying to not let my blogs fall behind. I could have slipped in the copy of Walking Dead I got from the library but I think that would really be cheating. Instead I want to offer something I have been reading that is still fiction.
I have a group of writer friends who have their own blogs. Nancy Cavanaugh's blog is filled with little tidbits of horror, science fiction and a lot of humor. She truly is a master of the short short story and flash fiction. Most of her posts are stories but occassionally she slips in some information about where you can find her work outside of her blog. I highly recommend her blog and think it's a great place for reluctant readers to find some written entertainment. Her blog can be found at http://myflashywords.blogspot.com/

The Secret Science Project that Almost Ate the School by Judy Sierra

This book was another one of those picture book shockers. I don't know how these books get on the juvenile reading lists. You may have a child who finds this book to be too young but it was nonetheless funny. The little girl in the book does not want to do a science project for the fair and finds the perfect one in a mail order advertisement. What she gets is a slime monster that eats her family and follows her to school (where it eats her teacher and fellow classmates). It's a cute story that opens up a discussion about consequences for not doing your work.
Judy Sierra wrote the book in rhyme and it really helped the story flow. It was rhythmic and entertaining from page one to the end.

Whales on Stilts by MT Anderson

Holding the book in my hand, I just wasn't sure it was for me. The cover seemed a little to science fiction for my taste and I struggled to get myself to open it. In laid a case of "don't judge a book by it's cover." Though the book seems science fictiony - the truth is it's rather funny. I chuckled several times. The premise is silly but then so are so many other stories that fall into this category.
Lily goes to work with her father one day to discover his boss is really a human whale hybrid and plans to take over the world with his army of whales on stilts. To help her save the day are her two best friends Katie and Jasper, both of them famous adventurers with their own series of fictional works. The story is simple - the good guys stop the bad guys and the laughter does not come from failed attempts or mistakes that they make but from quick wit and the author's little random bits. For example, Jasper's fan club is sponsored by a Ovaltine knockoff which appears here and there - similar to a 1950's tv show.
I think my favorite line is - Katie shrugged. "With fiends like these, who needs anemones?"
Another thing about this book is it's touching way it pulls in other topics. Such as a scene where Lily saves Katie and the authors of Katie's books come in and say that Lily can not be the hero because she's not pretty enough. Katie defends Lily and they talk about having your own story. Katie says "It's your story. You have to realize that it really is. It's only when people realize that the story can be about them that they can start to change things."
This book is like a Bugs Bunny cartoon - simple enough for the youngest reader but the adults will get more of the jokes. In this case, the jokes are very clean but may not be understood by readers who haven't been exposed to movies and tv from the 50's.