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
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