Some reflection and some best of picks

Hey y'all,
The holidays are coming...hell look at the snow outside man! The holidays are here! I have had a good time this year. Good family, good friends, very little retail hell. Actually the low economic expectations this year have made things less hectic. Where I work business is a bit down but they economized beforehand so the hit isn't so bad. I still refrain, not to be a nag, but you still have time to buy a book for christmas. Books can give a lifetime of enjoyment. They don't need an upgrade. They don't become obsolete in a few years. Even the cheapest paperback at our store is $3. That's the same as a cup of coffee, less than a hamburger. Just do it, it's better for everyone.

Anyway we're nearing the end of the year. This is the first year that I've been able to really track what I've read over the course of a year. It's a gift to be able to reflect back and see what I think. So with much fanfare I'm throwing out some Best of 2008.

Best of 2008

Best Graphic Novel: Starman Omnibus Vol. 1
Past Review: The Good and the Bad
One of the greatest gifts this year for me was the discovery of writer James Robinson. Starman is a great combination of the edgy and the classic. Jack Knight really wants to be a hero, but he can't admit it to himself. He'd rather be hipster ironic. By rejecting everything his father is, Jack can be his own version of a hero. Robinson captures the difficult relationship between this father and son. Again it's what they can't say to each other that keeps them from having a relationship. The "David" issue was also very effective visually as well as emotionally. The use of black and white signifying nostalgia as well as death. I can't wait for Vol. 2.

Best Book Not a Graphic Novel: Quiet Please: Dispatches from a Public Librarian
Past Review: Hot Time! Summer in the City!

If you've been paying attention then you know that I work as an assistant at a public library. (This is in addition to my work as a book seller. Sorry it's confusing.) I've worked in libraries for about 3 years now. However my mom has worked as a public librarian for nearly 40 years now, so I grew up in libraries. Quiet Please: Dispatches from a Public Librarian written by Scott Douglas tells the story of a young man who starts out as a lowly page in the Anaheim Public library system. He decides reluctantly to become a librarian and the book chronicles his journey through 6 years of service. I found myself deeply affected by one chapter where he's confronted by another librarian. The librarian reminds Scott that he is a public servant and to never put himself above the public. This stayed with me and has become a new motto. Douglas's raw, honest, portrayal of public service was a book that I took to heart.

Best Comic Book: Fables #71
Past Review: If only I could teleport away...

This awesome issue was a complete surprise. The Good Prince story arc had just wrapped up and there were supposed to a few filler issues before the final war against the Adversary. Filler issues are usually such a waste of time. However I loved this issue which featured Cinderella as a super spy on a secret mission. It was great to see Cinderella kick ass, which she has not really done in the past. It took me back to one of my fave TV series Alias. Also the cover is amazingly cool. I love it.


So there you are. Have a great weekend! Book Slave.

Sublime baby Sublime

Hello,
Folks I dare say that summer is officially on! Perhaps I will take my book to the park...Sounds pretty awesome eh?

Reviews
Scalped Vol. 1
This was the most acclaimed and talked about new comic series last year so I had to pick it up. And it did not disappoint. Set on an Indian reservation we follow a Native American lawman who is not only battling corruption but also his own demons. In this first story arc he sets up the connections between the two main characters slowly. They are irrevocably tied together by a past that involves violence and death. I was pretty enthralled and highly recommend this to those who are looking for a character study. I will warn you that this story is definitely rated R. Not for the weak. Check it out, this is the future of comics.

X-Men: Days of Future Past
I decided to review this classic story arc from Chris Claremont because I had heard it name checked in regards to Heroes. In the future the X-Men have been hunted down by Super Sentinels and are about to face nuclear war. Only four X-Men remain: Logan, Ororo, Kate and her husband Peter, and are joined by a wheel-chair bound Magneto, Franklin Richards and his girlfriend, Rachel, a telepath. There last hope is to change the future by changing the past, when the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants murder presidential candidate Robert Kelly and others. To do this, Rachel sends the mind of Kate Pryde back to the present to inhabit her body at age 13. This was revolutionary at the time and brings an end to the Byrne/Claremont run. However, reading this story I was more impressed with the action art and high-concept ideas rather than the actual writing. These issues are horribly dated in their use of dialogue, clunky exposition, and characterizations. Claremont over-writes to the point of exhaustion. There's so many thought balloons. It's tough-going. So while I enjoyed the headiness of time travel and crazy action, it'll be awhile before I pick up another older classic issue.

Fables #72
This was Part 2 of a two issue series involving Cinderella. I highly enjoyed this action-oriented arc. Who knew that Cinderella is a super-spy? She kicks serious ass. There was also a backup preview for the new "House of mystery" title coming out this week. The art was great, the story not so much. I probably won't be picking it up. Still I'd reccommend picking this up for the "Cinderella" story.

What's In My Bag
Books
Armageddon In Retrospect
Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned

Magazines
Comics Now!

Comics
Criminal 2 #2

Check out count: Crazy

"Summertime and the livings Easy" as Sublime says. Enjoy! Book Slave.

If only I could teleport away...

Hello virtual ladies and gentlemen,
Apologies for the lateness of this post. Last night I was tired and my internet service was weak, however you do get another book review today. Perhaps that will make up for it. (Don't judge me! I'll be better, I promise!) Onward!

Reviews
Jumper
This young adult novel of an abused teen who discovers he can teleport was recently made into a film that appeared on movie screens last month. The idea intrigued me and I thought I'd give it a go. I found the book really divided itself into two parts. The first half I got really involved in as the main character David Rice tries to make it on his own after running away from his abusive dad. David goes through the typical heroes journey, discovers his powers, meets a girl, and tries to resolve his issues. Oddly I found myself rooting for David's survival, although he's quite whiny. The reader has to remind themselves that this is an underdeveloped teen who has no guidance. The second half of the book is more like a Tom Clancy novel as David decides to take on terrorists (yeah pre-9/11 too) and is being chased by the scary NSA. This half I found less interesting and more like an action movie. It is oddly prescient to our current situation. Ultimately though I did find it a satisfying read.
(BTW I've heard that the movie is terrible and not really like the book at all)

Wonder Woman #18
Gail Simone continues to spin an interesting tale. Unfortunately I was less interested in the odd courting rituals of the Amazons, then the wonderful jokes regarding celebrity. I like how Simone is using a big part of her story for societal satire. The panel with a Wonderwoman Sphinx statue was priceless. I will continue reading although I don't trust these Khund's, their intentions can't be good.


Fables #71
Awesome issue. I love the mixture of Fables and great spy-like action. Cinderella kicks ass in this issue as she continues on her secret mission. Meanwhile Prince Charming manipulates himself into becoming the head of the upcoming war against Gepetto's forces. This subplot is mainly set up for the next story arc but I really enjoyed seeing PC be a master manipulator again.


Goon #22
I enjoy Eric Powell's unique view on comics. He continues to use a balance of gross humor and violence to spin your expectations. Warning: I would not read this at night or before eating. Anyway this one has a lot of set up for a new arc but I did enjoy a look into the Goon's past.

What's In My Bag
Books
Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Plays
Coast of Utopia Vol. 3

Magazine
Entertainment Weekly

Comics
Dock Walloper

Check Out Count: A Little Better, But Still Insane!

Have a great week! Book Slave