This Book Slave is on fire!

Hello Readers,
I don't know what's in the air but this month I have been putting the books away. Unfortunately although I've been reading like crazy it barely makes a dent in the TBR pile. But then again I never want to see the day when I have nothing to read. How sad will that be. May it never come to pass!

Be prepared for a long entry tonight gentle readers.

Tonight I had book club and it was a good time. This month's book was the direct opposite of last month's Northline. Being a part of this club continues to stretch my reading experience. I don't know where Zach, moderator extraordinaire, finds these crazy titles. Now I don't like all the books, still hate Dangerous Laughter, but they are at least off the beaten path. Now I'm not judgey but I really don't understand why reader's are afraid of books that are experimental. Why only read one type of book? Why put limits on yourself? I'm glad I take the time once a month to try something that I would never pick up on my own. If you are looking for something different I'd recommend coming down to The Hard Boiled Book Club, details found here. I'll be there.

Alright folks onward!

Reviews
Birds of Prey: Old Friends, New Enemies
I have become fascinated by the character of Barbara Gordon. For those who don't know Barbara Gordon used to be Batgirl. During the day she was a mild-mannered librarian, at night she fought alongside Batman & Robin. Then in Alan Moore's The Killing Joke she is shot by the Joker. She doesn't die but the bullet severs her spine and she's paralyzed. After dealing with severe depression, she trains herself to become a computer hacker and adopts the moniker Oracle. As Oracle she recruits fellow female superhero Black Canary and forms a new team titled "Birds of Prey." Now Oracle continues to be the only handicapped superhero in the DC universe. In this volume we have a mixed bag of issues. I really loved the issues which focused on the relationship between Black Canary & Oracle. Canary is the muscle, while Oracle is working cyber angle. Dixon writes some great banter between the two of them. Black Canary kicks ass as well. There are some great splash pages that are very cool. Unfortunately some of the issues suffer from crossover-itus. I can appreciate that Dixon was also writing GI Joe but frankly I don't care about The Ravens. And where did the dinosaurs come from? Just bizarre and out of place. I want more of the "Birds of Prey" in my book. So a mixed reaction but fun enough that I'll keep reading.

Comic Info: Barbara Gordon, Birds of Prey

Huntress: Year One
It's fun to read books from the "Year One" line if you want to approach a character fresh. I was not familiar with Huntress beyond her involvement with Birds of Prey. So I decided to give this a try even though I don't know anything about the writer or artist. Like Long Halloween, this is a mafia story that takes place in the Batman Universe. In this series Helena Bertinelli returns to Gotham to avenge the death of her family, get back her money, and take down the mafia. She's intent on kicking ass & taking names. I'll admit that the first few issues were pretty snoozy. A lot of exposition and talk. I never bought the star-crossed lovers story between her and Tony Angelo. However in the last 3 issues once the action moves to Gotham this series becomes great. Writer Ivory Madison brings in great characterizations of Barbara Gordon (whom she would later join with to create the Birds of Prey) and Catwoman. Catwoman is so much fun, very much like in Selina's Big Score. In the end this turns out to be surprising violent but very empowering. Ended up enjoying it so I'll be checking out any new work from writer Ivory Madison.

Other Reviews
Extremely Graphic | The Weekly Crisis | Graphic Novel Reporter

Clumsy
This book was simple, raw, and heartbreaking. Writer Jeffrey Brown depicts his romance with a woman named Theresa with honest emotion. The childlike art style reflects the relationship depicted as it blooms and then falls apart. Brown leaves his heart on the page and is literally naked to the reader. I was surprised by the amount of sex in this book, definitely not for kids, but then again to a man in his early 20s of course that's what he would remember. This book is a must-read. Highly enjoyable.

Other Reviews
Metapsychology | Cinegeek

Thoreau at Walden
This is a great Cliff Notes version of H.D. Thoreau's Walden. Having read Walden I desperately wish that I had this book at my disposal. Writer/Artist John Porcellino uses a simple art style which matches Thoreau's message of simplicity, simplicity, simplicity. Highly enjoyable. Great for high school students.

Other Reviews
School Library Journal | madinkbeard | Watermark Books & Cafe

You Must Be This Happy to Enter
After reading this book I feel as if I can hear the voice of Elizabeth Crane. Now I've never heard her voice in an interview, but her writing in this collection is all about tone. Her extensive use of one voice narration will make or break the reader. I really enjoyed how crazy her satire is in stories such as "Betty the Zombie" and "Emmanuel." Crane pushes the reader into the most absurd hilarious commentary. For me most of the time it worked. I don't think that Crane could maintain this kind of writing for any longer than 10 pages. These stories are exactly the right length. I was also surprised by the immense optimism that is present throughout these stories. It was completely unexpected and welcomed. What is wrong with being happy? Crane is not afraid to defend that position while pointing out that the world isn't perfect. Definitely worth reading for someone looking for a challenge.

Other Reviews
Bookslut | January magazine | Quarterly Conversation

The Reading List
Books
Amazing Adventures of the Escapist Vol. 1
Batman Private Casebook

Magazines
Vanity Fair

Comics
Streets of Gotham #1

Comic Pull List:Batman And Robin #2, Buffy The Vampire Slayer #26, Justice League Cry For Justice #1, Secret Six #11, Terry Moores Echo #13

Check Out Count: Stuck in a rut.

Have a great week! Book Slave.

All Bendis, All the time.

Hello,
How are you all? I'm doing well. I am a year older having celebrated my b-day this week. It was a fun time. It's not bad being my age, if I can happy with who I am. My younger bro said something similiar to that & I could've kissed him. Also thanks mom for accepting & enjoying who I am. Even if sometimes it drives you crazy. We saw Up in 3D and man was it great.

I began this blog as a means to motivate myself to deal with my massive tbr pile. Now I'm working through it, but really it's like Sisyphus pushing the rock up the mountain. Thankfully I've been able recently to kick up the pace this month. I hope you guys enjoy graphic novels because there's going to be a few coming your way.

Reviews
Total Sell Out
Who is Brian Michael Bendis? Presently I consider him the crowned prince of Marvel. In the last few years he has earned the keys to the superhero kingdom with his work on series such as Ultimate Spiderman, New Avengers, and Daredevil. In Total Sell Out he shares with us a collection of his early work as a writer/cartoonist. I have to agree with him that some of this work is too cartoonish. He's also not all that great as an artist and I can see why he gave up drawing. On the other hand Bendis excels at being a smartass. He's damn funny. I enjoyed his characterizations of nerd culture, particularly a funny story about James Doohan, the original Scotty from Star Trek. Here we also see his trademark dialogue style. Bendis loves "talking head" moments with naturalistic/colloquial speech. He's great at it. As an early look at his style it was highly enjoyable.

Biographical Author Info: Brian Michael Bendis

Alias Vol. 1
Jessica Jones is a burn out, alcoholic, cynical superhero. She has hung up the spandex and become a detective. She'll help find out if your husband/wife/girlfriend is cheating, or if your sister's gone missing. Jones gave up on the believing in the good of humanity a long time ago. Alias is a strong mix of crime noir that exists in the same world as Captain America. Jessica Jones is a wonderfully flawed original creation from the mind of Brian Michael Bendis. Bendis expertly retcons Jessica Jones into the Marvel comic world by bringing in smaller B characters. Jessica's superhero powers are limited. She has super strength and can maybe "hover" but that's it. Jessica is more like us and would rather be normal. But try as she might she can't be. This first 9 issues was a great introduction to a new character that seems like she's been there all along. Bendis's classic dialogue-style is prevalent here. This is a comic that's much more about what a character says/doesn't say than kick ass fights. Much like an indie comic where Matt Murdock will show up as your attorney, I loved the mixing of sensibilities. I'll definitely be checking out the rest of this series.

Other Reviews
Avid Book Reader | Blogging Bendis

The Reading List
Books
Birds of Prey Vol. 2
Pride and Prejudice and the Zombies

Magazines
Paste

Comics
Captain America #600

Comic Pull List: Daredevil #119, Detective Comics #854, Dynamo 5 #22, Gotham City Sirens #1, Green Lantern #42, New Avengers #54, Northlanders #18, Runaways 3 #11, Superman #689, Wonder Woman #33

Check Out Count: Multi-media-esque

Have a great week! Book Slave.

Killers! Star Trek! Batman! Invincible!

Hello,
Howse it going? I've been working hard, picking us extra cash & learning new things. Also have been having a killer reading week. Oh my gosh, so much fun. This week I'm bringing back a fun feature: Book Reviews in 12 words or less! Here we go!

Reviews
Star Trek: Countdown
Nero Backstory. Nice Next Generation Cameos. Poor Art.

Other Reviews
Bureau 42 | Pop Matters | Star Fleet

Torso
Serial Killer! Amazing black & White art. Crazy Bendis dialogue.

Other Reviews
Pop Matters
Biographical Info: Torso Killer, Eliot Ness

Batman: Long Halloween
Mafia murder mystery with Batman. Great story. Cool Art.

Other Reviews
IGN | Groucho Reviews | Coke and Comics

Invincible Ultimate Collection Vol. 3
More Superhero goodness. Some space adventure. Invincible grows up. Snappy Action Art.

Previous Volume Reviews: Invincible Vol. 1, Invincible Vol. 2

The Reading List
Books
Pride and Prejudice and the Zombies
Total Sell Out

Comic
Northlanders #17

Magazine
Four Four Two

Comic Pull List:Batman Streets Of Gotham #1, Captain America #600, Captain Britain And Mi 13 #14, Green Arrow Black Canary #21, Incognito #4, Outsiders #19

Check Out Count: Two steps forward, 3 steps back.

Have a great week! Book Slave.

Serial Killer Theater

Hello to all the world,
Well I hope you are all having an excellent week. I myself have suffered some financial blows, as of late but really aren’t we all? At least I’ll always have books. The written word will keep me in these troubled times. That is some solace I suppose. Did any of you watch the Tony Awards this weekend? I thought it was an amazing show. As someone who lives far away from Broadway I always watch the Tony’s to see what plays/musicals will be making the regional rounds. I’ll often pick up a CD, or published play if I see a great clip on the Tony show. This year I am definitely going to pick up Yasmina Reza’s God of Carnage and The Norman Conquests. As a past theater geek I also loved the performance from Hair which was amusingly exuberant. I was also captivated by the new musical Next to Normal which I will pick up as soon as I can.

Well enough about me (hah!) let’s move onwards!

Review
The Roberts
I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the original series The Roberts from the moment I heard about it. Originally released as a two issue series I decided to wait for the trade. Okay confession time: I have a strange fascination with serial killers. Where I reside the story of Ted Bundy is a common cautionary tale for young women such as myself. I find it interesting to read interviews, biographies, and analysis that tries to determine what makes these killers tick. Sure we’ve managed to pull together psychological profiles but there still manages to be permutations that befuddle us.

In The Roberts writer Wayne Chinsang has spun an interesting scenario: The narrator is a senior citizen who is actually The Boston Strangler (you see they got the wrong guy). He has been retired and living in a nursing home for 4 years. While still dreaming of his former victims he remains a bit of a loner among the other seniors. However he becomes drawn to a new resident the very friendly Robert. It is revealed that Robert is actually the infamous Zodiac killer.

Once everything is set up The Roberts becomes a fascinating character piece. These men ruminate on the nature of their existence and their separateness. The art style is not overtly flashy, but it suits the “talking heads” nature of the story. Writer Chinsang does a great job of making these men creepy but also believable. These guys are way past their prime and clearly miss the thrill of killing. Now the only power they have is their anonymity, which is now threatened. Again this story was fascinating and I highly recommend it.

Other Reviews
And now the screaming starts | Battlemouth

The Reading List
Books
Batman: The Long Halloween
Invincible vol. 3

Mags
Four Four Two

Comics
Incognito #2

Comic Pull List: Action Comics #878, Batman #687, Deadpool #11, Fables #85, Flash Rebirth #3, Wolverine #74.

Checkout Count: Not Bad.

Have a great week! Book Slave.

Gunslingers, soul reapers, & a Starman

Hello All,
The sun is shining and life is busy. Oh my god the weather is a beauty here in the city of salt. I think some reading in the park, under a tree is definitely a possibility. Started a new mentorship this week and I'm pretty psyched. When I'm not reading voraciously, serving the public, or just living life, I like to help writers. I like to edit-it's a sickness really. I'm excited about this workshop. But really let's talk about books eh? I've been reading, so onward!

Reviews
Bleach Vol. 1
In an attempt to diversify I've been reading the manga. After looking at a few different books I think that I'm finally getting it. Bleach has a lot of action, some fun romantic comedy banter, and a good anti-hero at the center. I liked the reluctance of the hero. He's a punk teenager who is very self involved. His solipsistic attitude was nicely realistic. Obviously his character arc will be the embracing of his hero role. I love the fact that his mentor is a female warrior who is integrating herself undercover at his school. I've been dissapointed in the depiction of female characters in manga. In all the series I have read the females are ditsy cheesecake. Good to see a change. This is the first manga I've read that showed some great panel design. Sequential art when done right can convey visual information quickly. The pages are usually 2 panels, meaning that the focus is on action rather than dialogue. I was able to read this book, which was around 200 pages, in an hour or so. And I wasn't even reading all that quickly. I think this is the appeal of manga. Unfortunately I still found some of the storytelling to be clumsy. It seems as if the author was not sure where the story was going. New powers develop more through convenience rather than organically. Overall though I enjoyed it. Strongest manga I've read yet.

Other Reviews
Manga Punk | manga life | Read About Comics

Starman Omnibus Vol. 2
James Robinson's Starman has become one of my favorite series. In fact the Vol. 1 Omnibus was the best graphic novel I read last year, so reading vol. 2 was a no-brainer. In this volume of issues Robinson settles into the series. He's already set up our characters so Robinson delves into their past. Several issues focus on flashbacks about The Shade, Solomon Grundy, and Ted Knight. I really enjoyed the story arc featuring the "Nick & Nora"-esque team of old detectives exploring the excitement of being a superhero. Robinson fleshes out side characters like the O'Dares. This family of cops deserves a series all their own. They are so great, especially in the Christmas special and the "trip to hell" arc. Don't get me wrong I miss Jack Knight. He doesn't feature as much in these issues, but then again this is an 80-issue long story. Robinson does plant some seeds for Jack Knight stories to come. I can't wait.

Past Volume Reviews: Starman Omnibus Vol. 1

Dark Tower: Treachery
This series continues to get better and better. This is my favorite volume yet. Peter David continues to knock this book out of the park. The smartest thing that David does in this volume is to shift the focus to the female characters. This has been a "boy" book following Roland and his friends. However, here we have the introduction of a female gunslinger who is really cool. Also I enjoyed the exploration of Roland's mother, who in the first volume was woefully underdeveloped. David adds more depth to her guilt and shame. It's very apt considering the focus of this volume is betrayal. Roland is sidelined with his own obsession that has lead to betray his father. It is up to his friends to pull this hero back from the brink. Jae Lee's art continues to amaze. The grim darkness of this world is directly reflected in the art. I was particularly impressed by the last two chapters. The juxtaposition of formal dress and western motif was beautiful. Can't wait for the next one.

Past Volume Reviews: Dark Tower: Gunslinger Born, Dark Tower: Long Road Home

The Reading List
Books
Goodbye to All That
Black Mass

Magazine
Wizard

Comic
Trinity #52

Comic Pull List: Secret Six #10, Superman World Of New Krypton #4

Check Out Count: Way too High.

Have a great week! Book Slave