Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

WORTH CONSUMING!

Excellent. Required reading! I am in love with this story. I have family (adopted cousins) who lived in Tehran during this time. I never knew how much they went through. And I am surprised at how modern Iran was 30 years ago. I am in awe. This book opens one up to endless possibilities of what life really is like beyond the stereotypes.

Worth Consuming. There is a must read sequel.

"Superman in the Fifties"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Another great volume in the Superman through the age series produced by DC. Some great samples of all the Superman Family tales of the time period. Worth Consuming!

"Wearing of This Garment Does Not Enable You to Fly: 101 Real Dumb Warning Labels"

Very original and inviting premise. But the authors don’t have to make corny comments on every other page. It may work for Leno and Letterman, but they’re pros at that kind of stuff. Sometimes the explanation about a product after reading the warning label is valid, and I do applaud that. But, it doesn’t always work. For Example a Yeast Infection Medicine says to not overdose on their product and the authors point out that only one pill comes per bottle.

The art is inspired and very kitsch. I like. I like.

"Showcase Presents: Superman, Vol. 2"

WORTH CONSUMING!

There’s something safe about Superman. It’s a real thrill reading these old issues (reprints), many of which my dad had when he was a lad. It was always a rare treat when dad’s comics came out for a day or two of reading. And when I got to own them, I was the cat’s pajamas. Reprints of classic Superman tales come from Action and Superman, as well as covers and “new” material to the Superman annuals. (Basically until Marvel came around, annuals were giant collections of classic tales from the previous few years of whatever title had the annual- so those tales are not collected,) For a fan of Superman or just classic comics, this is worth consuming.

"Here's Your Sign" By Bill Engall

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

Again, folks, though I came from redneck stock, I am not a redneck. When I see raw fish, my first thought is not bait, but SUSHI!!!!! I tried this book as a measuring stick to Ron White’s book I read a few weeks ago. White’s book was X-rated, a lot of four lettered words, and has a very sobering effect on you. Engall’s book is age appropriate for all fans of the Blue Collar Comedy tour. But his jokes do not transfer to paper very well. It’s clearly due to timing and the use of conjunctions instead of just firing the punch line that ruins it for you. The format would have worked better in Bill could have teamed with MAD magazine and titled his book “Snappy Comebacks to Dumb Questions.” Anyway, he does throw it some monologues and they do great on paper. In fact, they save the book from a 1 star or worse rating. If you want to read this, save your time (And $$$), and rent his videos. I remember some of his work from the late 90’s and they’re the same jokes as in the book, but it’s Engall’s timing that wins you over.

"The Mad Archives, Vol. 1 (Issues 1-6) (DC Archive Editions.)"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

The first issues of MAD were in comic form, not magazine. Other than that (and the fact that they are in color) not much changed. Artists and writers were the same. Both even had William Gaines as editor. However, the most glaring difference in these MAD’s is that they aren’t funny. I mean how many Melvyn jokes can one man take or make. The straight on parodies which occur more frequently after issue 3 are the best parts. Art is amazing. The 2 written word stories per issue, are awful and to be avoided at all costs.

"I Had the Right to Remain Silent...But I Didn't Have the Ability"

WORTH CONSUMING!

I am not a redneck. But I did want something humorous to read while visiting my wife’s family in Missouri. White’s book happened to be the most convenient to find at my local library, since it’s still considered a new book. This is not your typical Blue Collar Comedy Tour Fodder. Lots of sex, drugs, and more F-bombs than a Quentin Tarantino marathon.

 Parents, if your children under the age of 21 (Or little old lady grandmas for that matter) like BCCT, Don’t buy them this. True, lots of funny bits in here. But if this was made into a movie if would get an X-rating. I actually feel sorry for the guy. He seems destined to drink himself to death. This is ironic, since there’s already been an urban legend that Ron White died almost 2 years ago. Also, this Ron White is not to be confused with the Inner City School teacher of the same name. Still, it’s worth consuming, with caution.

"Justice, Vol. 1" — Alex Ross

WORTH CONSUMING!

Once again, Alex Ross makes your favorite heroes appear as if they were the everyday "gods’ of earth. His best artwork to date. The Armageddon first act and a fourth chapter that really leads one to believe that the JLA are actually venerable is awesome.

Some of the story line is vague, probably due to a real shocking twist to come up later.

 

 

"What Color Is Your Parachute? 2007: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers"

"What Color Is Your Parachute? 2007: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers"

 

Being temporarily disabled, reading a book about your dreams can be a bummer. The parts I really want to know, like what jobs are right for me are so far in the back, that after reading 100 pages worth of reasons you are NOT going to get that dream job you want, I just gave up trying.

 

"Marvel Holiday Special #1 (2005 Giant One Shot)"

 

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

The perfect Marvel Holiday Special I have read to date. Sure, I have a few more to go before I have all of them, but out of the 4 I have read, this one is tops. The FF Moleman story is freakin’ Hilarious and worth the cover price alone. The Avengers story just makes it even better. Especially with Spider-Woman’s problem of always being under the mistletoe. The Hurricane story (also FF), is a poem, that starts out a little slow, but has a great plot and finish to it. This is a 10, which says a lot since it’s a Joe Quesada edited work. Worth Consuming.

"Marvel Holiday Special #1 (1996 Giant One Shot)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Really fun comic special. The Stan Lee Silver Surfer story, the X-Men story, and especially the Spidey vs. J. Jonah for Christmas Pride were worth the consuming. Kitty’s story is nice. But the Rawhide story, while loads of fun, is more Western than Christmas for my taste, and the weakest story in this volume.

"The Collected Alison Dare, Little Miss Adventures: Volume 2"

WORTH CONSUMING!

More great adventures from Torres and Bone. But, I think something was wrong with my issue. In the Sunday Comics section, the first 6 strips are essentially chunks of the “Heart of the Maiden” miniseries, which is collected here. However, the strips leave that plotline hanging. Does anyone know if this was intentional?

"What the?!(regular series) Issue #16"

One of the best covers in the entire series. Very clever Ant-Man vs. Doc. Ock for the soul of Santa poem. Excellent Milk and Cookies Hanukkah story. Like issue 10, not a complete Christmas, well in this case, it really is a holiday special, because if you flip the issue over, it’s a Halloween special for some reason. Still, overall, it is very much worth consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

 

 

"Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four Vol. 1: Family of Heroes (v. 1)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

4 great stories about the “most realistic super hero group ever": the Fantastic Four. I find it very hard to find a poorly written FF story (With exception of FF: 1,2,3,4). This is all-age appropriate and lots of fun to read. This is not a kid’s book by no means. Though aimed at youth, adults will enjoy this book if only for nostalgia purposes. Just top quality comics like those of the 1960’s and 70’s. Oh how I miss those days.

"What the?!(regular series) Issue #10"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Half of this book is about Christmas. The Dr. Doom and the Cloak and Dagger parody are great. The non-Christmas Capt. America story is awesome. But I did not like the Manga parody of Akira. Because I am not a Manga fan, I probably did not get all the jokes.

Rating 7 out of 10 stars.

"Son of Film Flubs: More Memorable Movie Mistakes"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

This sequel is like many sequels….Not as good as the original. The first flub book focused on flubs, while this book tries to disguise itself as a flub book, while the authors focus is primarily Intro to Filmmaking 101. (I was a History of Film minor, so I should know). There is supposed to be a third installment in the Film Flub Series. Any advice to the author I have for upcoming volumes would be to eliminate his dissertations on film styles and film making basics and stick to what he does best, pointing out “memorable movie mistakes.”

Ant-Man's Big Christmas

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

A cautionary tale starring Ant-Man and Wasp. Starts off slow, but once the revenge of 12 year-old Larry McGruder starts, it’s one of the most clever stories I have read in quite some time.

Worth 9 out of 10 stars. Worth Consuming!

Mother Goose on the Loose by the Cartoonists of the New Yorker Magazine

WORTH CONSUMING!

Very charming collection of Fairy Tales and Nursery Rhymes and the New Yorker’s comedic interpretations of them.

"The End (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 13)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

My final ranking of the Series of Unfortunate Events are:

Book Eight, Book Two, Book Twelve, Book Five, Book Seven, Book Ten, Book Six, Book Nine, Book Four, Book One, Book Thirteen, Book Three, Book Eleven.

 t’s a good book, with some events finally happening that one has waited 12 books to finally occur. However, I really do not believe this is the end of VFD or the Baudelaires. True, it is the end of the Series of unfortunate Events, but with all the loose ends and questions unanswered, surely Lemony Snicket has something else in the wings.

Worth Consuming, but just barely.

Doing Church for People Who Don't Do Church!!!

WORTH CONSUMING!

Folks, it is true, I am studying to become a youth minister. But before you think I am some stuffy tele-evangelist type- Don’t, I’m not! This book puts to practice creating a church environment like no other, focusing on getting a relevant topical message out there. For example, my church in Durham NC did a series on dysfunctional families by tying in clips and settings from the hit ABC show, Desperate Housewives. And once, when doing a series about the Holes in our lives, like depression, everyone got to eat Dunkin’ Donut Donut holes. If you get my drift and are interested about learning more about a non-traditional church go to:

http://www.encounternhc.com/

Hope to see you there!!!

"Marvel Monsters Group Presents : Fin Fang Four #1(limited series)"

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

Creative tale about the reformation of 4 classic Marvel Monsters and the jobs at the Baxter Building. Includes a classic reprint of the Origin on Fin Fang Foom, by Dick Ayers & Jack Kirby.

"Secret Origins (3rd Series, 1986-90) Issue #10"

WORTH CONSUMING!

4 stories about the possible origin of The Phantom Stranger. Numbers 1, 2, &4 (#4 was written by Alan Moore) of the tales are wonderfully crafted. While the third is a knock-off plot similar to Terminator where the future ends up giving birth to the past. Still this issue is worth 7.5 out of ten and very much worth consuming.

"Secret Origins (3rd Series, 1986-90) Issue #9"

WORTH CONSUMING!

This issue features 2 stories by the legendary writer, Roy Thomas. Both focus on Golden Age heroes; this time the spotlight is on the 1st Flash and the Star Spangled Kid (Now Skyman).

SSK is interesting since he is probably the only teenager to have an adult sidekick.
Both stories are crafted to the finest detail of excellence and highly worth consuming.
Rating 10 out of 10 stars.

"Secret Origins (3rd Series, 1986-90) Issue #8"

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

This issue focuses on the golden age hero Doll Man and the modern heroine, Shadow Lass (from Legion of Super Heroes). Doll Man’s story is similar to the Atom of the Silver Age, but I like this story very much, even if Doll Man is the dumbest name for a super hero. (As well as being the owner of the dumbest costume ever.) The Shadow Lass story, on the other hand, I didn’t like so much. The story seemed old, like I have heard it before. The plot really is like Willow or Legend. It just seemed to be a stale origin and for that, issue 8 only gets 8 out of a possible 10 in my book (and 4 stars in yours).

Secret Origins (3rd Series, 1986-90) Issue #7

This issue focuses on the Green Lantern’s of earth, primarily Guy Gardner and the origin of the Golden age Sandman.

Both are classics. Again, Sandman is a figure who never had an origin until now, and thanks to Roy Thomas.

For those of you who might have enjoyed issue 5, The Crimson Avenger, you must check out this issue as he is a main character and much of his origin is expounded on here.

Worth Consuming.

   

 

"Secret Origins (3rd Series, 1986-90) Issue #6"

 

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

Issue six starts a new format of featuring 2 heroes and being 52 pages. I have no problems with this. The only detractor is the Halo story. Halo, another DC character I am not familiar with, was weak, and I did not like the barbecued cat scene.

Still the Batman (of the golden age) story was great and kept this from being a not worth consuming tale.

A review of "Secret Origins (3rd Series, 1986-90) Issue #5"

WORTH CONSUMING!

This issue covers a super hero I am not at all familiar with. However, his story is not very different from the Shadow or Green Hornet. What makes this story different? Besides the fact that Crimson has never had his origin revealed till now, Thomas uses the Orson Welles “War of the Worlds” Halloween broadcast as a back drop for this amazing story.

Consume it!

"Secret Origins (3rd Series, 1986-90) Issue #4"

I’ve always been a fan of Firestorm, one of my top favorite characters of all-time. But I must have only known the kid friendly origin as this issue focuses on the life of Prof. Stein and the hardships he endured that lead to his fusion with Ronnie Raymond.

Worth Consuming.

"Secret Origins (3rd Series, 1986-90) Issue #3

WORTH CONSUMING!

Issue three is a fascinating look into the origin of the Big Red Cheese. For a character I tend to dislike due to his actions in “Kingdom Come” and the fact that he’s a Superman wannabe, to like this issue so much says a lot about the series and the work of Roy Thomas. Plus, Thomas’ history lesson about Shazam and the whole scandal over the name of Captain Marvel is really cool. Consume it or become an evildoer!!!!!

"Secret Origins (3rd Series, 1986-90) Issue #2"

WORTH CONSUMING!

In issue 2, we learn about the secret origins of the first and second Blue Beetles. Originally a character owned by Charlton Comics, right before the Crisis, DC Comics purchased the rights to the Beetle and several other super heroes from the competitor. This issue was released as a preview for the Blue Beetle regular series DC was getting ready to release in late 1986. It’s a fun ride, with a few chops in it, but still worth consuming.

  

"Secret Origins (3rd Series, 1986-90) Issue #1"

WORTH CONSUMING!

This is a great story about the origin of the original, 1938 Superman. Done as a tie-in to Crisis, you can find many errors in this story, but it’s still enjoyable. For someone familiar with the first 4 issues of Action Comics, you may be surprised by the language, but it’s a SUPER ret-con! The original Siegel and Schuster never before seen artwork is a fitting tribute. And unlike other DC fans, I like reading the Secret Origins of Secret Origins page as I enjoy reading about the history and background of not only the heroes, but that of their creators too. Consume it!

Secret Origins (TPB)

WORTH CONSUMING!

This trade is a great introduction to the awesome 54 issue series from DC Comics of the same name. I recently complete my collection of these tales and started out reading the series by reading this TPB, that includes 4 reprinted tales from the series, a Superman story from “Man of Steel” by John Byrne, and a never before published tale of Batman by Dennis O’Neill (which is the basis for Batman Begins – Alone With Batman: Year One)

I skipped the 4 S.O. reprints, since I will be reading them real soon! Consume it!

"Superman Returns: The Prequels"

WORTH CONSUMING!

DC published this series of 4 one-shots that are supposed to shed light and major bits of information cut from scenes omitted the movie “Superman Returns”. Sadly, all you get are 4 really good stories, especially the Krypton tale. You’re better off reading SR: the official movie adaption if you’re looking for key clues as to why Superman left the earth for 5 years.

Still for the stories and artwork alone, it’s worth consuming.

Catwoman: Selina's Big Score

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

This book is a major disappointment. I love Darwyn Cooke’s stuff, but this book just isn’t up to snuff. It was as confusing as “Get Shorty”, with hard to understand past histories, this character backstabbing this other guy, the introduction of additional characters without any backstory. It’s just a big jumble, and with Selina Kyle starting off the story being “dead”, there’s no recap to help a casual reader of Catwoman tales, like myself, to understand what’s going on.

I say Don’t Consume It!!!

"The Marvel Saga: Issues 1-25 (Entire Limited Series Run)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

A great series. I remember reading some of these issues as a kid and only recently got the whole series (as a 7th year anniversary present-Thanks babe!!!) Puts the events of the Marvel Universe in perspective, not by the issues published, but how events fall on the Marvel Time-Line: From the Creation of the Marvel Universe up till the arrival of Galactus. The first 21 issues are a perfect fit. However, the editor for the series left after #21 and for the last 4 issues, the timeline method is thrown out the window, and focus narrows to Spiderman (issue 22) to the Fantastic Four (issues 23-25), with any loose ends tied up in the span of 4 very sloppy pages. Ends on a high note with the Watcher being revealed as the narrator. Actual rating 9.5 out of 10 stars. But very much worth consuming!!!- Nuff Said.

"The Marvel Saga (Limited Series) Issue #25"

The final issue of this limited series; focuses on the Galactus Arrival to the Marvel Universe. While the story is interesting, the series ends very quickly, with very little respect given to the characters and any closure is out the window.

"The Marvel Saga (Limited Series) Issue #23"

This issue resolves the cliffhanger in issue 21. However, instead of exploring the history of that time period of Marvel’s storied history, the book focuses on the Fantastic Four’s first meetings with the Inhumans. While I love the FF, I’ve never been a fan of Kirby’s Inhumans (which later will become DC’s New Gods- ALSO, NOT A FAN OF). Anyway, the focus on the Inhumans, plus the lack of focus to stay with the Comic Series original outline makes this a little more than 4 star consumption; the rating for this is not a perfect 5!

 

Worth Consuming.

"The Marvel Saga (Limited Series) Issue #22"

WORTH CONSUMING!

In honor of the Marriage between Peter Parker (Spiderman) and Mary Jane Watson, Marvel devoted an entire issue of the Marvel Saga to the stormy history between these two love birds.

A huge skip from being the entire history of the Marvel Era, as the previous issue left with a cliffhanger involving Dr. Doom and the wedding of Reed Richards and Sue Storm of the Fantastic Four.

 

Note: So where's issues 2-21. Well, at the time, I was really only putting trades and hardback comics in my reading journal. Sometime around the finishing of this book, I decided to also put any standard comic book formatted book in my reading journal. Thus, the absence of those issues. But I did read them! Promise!)

"MARVEL MONSTERS: FROM THE FILES OF ULYSSES BLOODSTONE"

WORTH CONSUMING!

A novel idea from the House of Ideas. Ties in with the Marvel Monster Series. Sadly, the Godzilla comics from the 70’s are all but ignored.

"Oddly Enough: Unbelievably Outrageous but True Stories from the News"

WORTH CONSUMING!

This has been a bathroom book for me. So, when it’s time for my kitten Eddy to eat, I take him in the bathroom and read while he eats. That way, the other cats won’t bother him while he eats.

The stories in this book are true news stories. Some of which I remember, like the reporter from Africa who pretended to be in Iraq during the invasion, when he really was hiding out in the radio stations closet filing phony reports. Or Florida’s plan to arrest women who reveal more the 75% of their breasts or buttocks in public. It’s all here, ready for you to consume it… and have a good laugh.

"Road to Perdition"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Great story. Amazing visuals. Many of the panels have very thin lines, giving the effect of a mug shot, which leaves some very startling images in your mind. Some portraits look like they are from the ‘90s, not 1930. Also, be on the lookout for cameos of George Clooney, Orson Welles, Tom Hanks, and more. Don’t believe me, then read it and consume it for yourself!!!!!

"Runaways, Vol. 1"

WORTH CONSUMING!

I am convinced that it takes 3 issues for a comic book series to hit its intended stride. And once it does, like RUNAWAYS does truly, it’s a thrill a minute, don’t look back awesome series. Under no circumstances should you read ahead, you’ll miss out on some really great surprises. BKV is awesome, one of the best in the industry today- Heck All-Time!!! Worth Consuming!

"Elongated Man Europe '92 (Limited Series) #4 of 4"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

 This limited series ends with a whimper. Which is really sad, since the character of Ralph Dibny (The World Famous Elongated Man) deserved his own series after years as a B-side story for title like Detective Comics and The Flash. Now we know why there will never be another EM series. Many plot twists are left dangling. Several questions are answered with more questions. And the reader in all this is so disgusted, he is left wanting NO more. The Series as a whole= don’t consume it! although, if you are willing to try all four issues can be bought on ebay for about a buck a pop, not bad for a 14 year old 4-issue series.

 

"Last Planet Standing #1"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Set in the future, this tale is the beginning chapter about the next generation of Marvel Heroes and their upcoming battle with Galactus. Very much worth consuming, unless you are a huge Shi’ar fan, then you’re in for a big disappointment.

"500 Comic Book Villains"

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

A good reference to villains you’ve never heard of. Mediocre about the ones you do know about. Spell check and a good editor is needed for this book. And it leaves out entries to important villains… No General Zod, Rha’s Al Ghul is briefly footnoted, and Fin Fang Foom is on the cover, but nowhere to be found. And some titles are overused. (I mean how many Judge Dredd villains do you need to know about anyway???)

There is a companion volume to this (500 Comic Book Heroes), but I do not know if I want to read it or not.

"Elongated Man Europe '92 (Limited Series) #3 of 4"

WORTH CONSUMING!

The best book in the series. Sadly, it takes a guest appearance by the Wally West Flash to save the day. And I really was sad to see him leave half-way through this issue, because the story goes back downhill afterwards.

"Weird U.S.: Your Travel Guide to America's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets (Weird)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Some really cool spots in this book. Many I one day want to and will go to!!!! Great to read during Halloween time, because some of the stories of hauntings really freak you out. A great, but safe scare fest.

 

"The Goon Volume 3: Heaps Of Ruination"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Great stuff! I love it. One of the best series out there. Collection includes the continuing saga of the Buzzard and a Goon/ Hellboy cross-over which is awesome.

Worth Consuming!!!!

 

 

 

 

Captain America Vol. 3: Red Menace, Book One (v. 1)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Capt  stories are the Comic Book equal to Tom Clancy or 24. Contains issues 15-17 and the 65th Anniversary special. Great Stuff. If you love America, you will consume this!

 

 

 

"Menopaws: The Silent Meow" — 2006

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

A cute 5 minute read. A selection my wife found for me to read at the library.

"Elongated Man Europe '92 (Limited Series) #2 of 4"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Art is still great but the plot still needs work (though it is getting a little better with the whole Ralph-Sue-Bito love triangle thing).

"Elongated Man Europe '92 (Limited Series) #1 of 4

With a plot as confusing as a Tom Cruise Mission Impossible movie and artwork the caliber of Batman: the Animated Series; it just doesn’t fit. Not a great way to start off a series. It is great to see Sue Dibny again. Her death at the hands of the Identity Crisis was the biggest mistake (and loss) to the DC Universe since the death of Barry Allen.

"The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Wow…What a great new series!!!!!! I am hooked. Gaiman is a master writer and like he states in his intro, or is it his prologue, the first 3 issues are really weak, as they were figuring things out, but by issue 4 it really hits its stride. Lots of graphic images, not suitable for the under 18 crowd. But worth consuming when you come of age.

"Buzzboy, Volume 2: Monsters, Dreams, & Milkshakes"

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

I’ve grown accustomed to the little pop culture nerd. Too bad not all of the stories are by Gallagher. Still it’s fun, charming, and truly entertaining. Art gallery is truly great and lots of fun. And the fact that the creator puts pages in the book with instructions for kids to make copies of them is a rare feat in cartooning and comics I wish we could see more of.

 

"Buzzboy: Trouble in Paradise"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Again, another find from my public library. And again, another book listed for teens, but not really suitable. This is a great book about the dangers of fascism and so forth. However, some images are just a tad harsh. I’d say appropriate for ages over 13.

The Salmon of Doubt by the late, great Douglas Adams

WORTH CONSUMING!

Douglas Adams…You will be missed. A wonderful collection of little read articles, short stories and facts about his life. I really had no idea he was an atheist. Nor a chronic misser of deadlines.

It’s a terrible shame that the story on which this book is titled is/remains unfinished. It was really good and I got engrossed.

The book’s editor put it best saying that he wished Adams would have treated the trip to the gym (which resulted in his fatal heart attack) like his publishing deadlines and put it off. The world is greatly poorer without him.

Worth consuming. Essential for Douglas Adams fans.

 

"The Collected Alison Dare, Little Miss Adventures: Volume 1"

Worth Consuming.

Quirky little comic…great for kids- Boys & Girls alike.

Not my cup of tea, a little too young for me, but as a reviewer, I would say there’s nothing offensive about this for ages 7-13! Younger than 7 could enjoy this too, if they understand really big words.

Superman: Infinite City

The art was great, like each panel was a still photo from an anime movie. Storyline was iffy. Some Concepts work, like the return of Jor-El. But you couldn’t tell who was who. So both scripting and characterization by the artist was lagging. Still it was fun to see Superman in a Wonderland setting and hope to see more of the warden and Infinite City in future issues.

 

 

"Y: The Last Man, Vol. 3: One Small Step"

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

Bring on volume 4, baby!!! I’m so glad that the Israeli plotline seems to be done with.

1 problem though…the last 2 chapters in the book hardly even deal with Yorick…What’s that all about???? Still, worth reading.

 

"Conan and the Jewels of Gwahlur (Conan (Dark Horse Unnumbered))"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

Dialogue is unbelievable, more like what Keanu Reeves would say as Conan, Not Arnold. Art was great. Extras in back worth a perusal. Plot is iffy, with action sequences and trickery scenes are very good. The political intrigue was more Tom Clancy, not Biblical proportions.

NOT at all worth consuming!

 

"Hellboy, Vol. 1: Seed of Destruction" —2007

Art was amazing, and the use of blood red in contrast was inspired. However, the story needs much work and I just could not enjoy it. Clear evidence of John Byrne’s reputation of taking someone else’s work and twisting it into what he thinks is a hit and riding the coattails to the bank. But as usual, it just doesn’t work.

 

"Big Book of Bart Simpson (Simpsons Comics Compilations)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Too much focus on Lisa, Not enough on the ole trouble maker.

"Return to the Amalgam Age of Comics (The DC Comics Collection)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

 This volume was much better than its predecessor. All 6 stories were 10’S!!!!

Very much worth consuming.

"Superman Vs. Lex Luthor"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Okay, He may not be my favorite Superhero, But, I love me some Superman. Old or new, it does not matter, for I can read about the Man of Steel and feel safe, calm, relaxed and entertained. This Volume, released in concordance with Superman Returns, captures many of the tales that sculpt the legend of Superman and his arch enemy Lex Luthor. ACTUALLY, most of the stories are about Luthor, who I must admit is much better as a evil capitalist than chubby mad scientist. (Byrne actually did something right!). Very much worth consuming, especially the newer stories!

"Ultimate X-Men Vol. 2: Return to Weapon X"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Essentially you could view this as a “WHAT IF…” set in the Ultimate universe. This very interesting, dark storyline really answers the question "What if the X-Men were captured by Weapon X in X2: Men united. It’s highly plausible and Worth Consuming!

 

"The Amalgam Age of Comics (The DC Comics Collection)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

 The first collection of DC Comics foray into the Amalgam Universe. It’s like Gilligan’s Island, sometimes good, sometimes brilliant, and sometimes terrible. Apparently, one has to read DC Versus Marvel first, but this volume can stand by itself.

 How the story rating’s fold out:

Amazon #1= 9 (out of 10)

Assassins #1= 5
Doctor Strangefate #1= 7
JLX #1= 7
Tales of the Darkclaw #1= 10
Super Soldier #1= 10

= = = =

Total score: 48→ 48/60=80%

Worth Consuming!!!

"Ultimate X-Men Vol. 1: The Tomorrow People"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Holy Cow! And I thought Claremont was the best X writer. I may be wrong. Great plotting. Excellent story. Just uncanny! Worth Consuming.

"The Marvel Saga (Limited Series) Issue #1"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Released in December 1985, just in time for the 25th Anniversary of the first “Marvel Comic”: The Fantastic Four #1. Though it would not be known officially as Marvel for several months, these books changed the way comic books were written, created, and structured. Real people, with real problems, just supped up! Touted as the Official History of the Marvel Universe: this series puts events in chronological order of the happening of events, not the order in which the issues were first released.

 

"HG Well's The War of the Worlds (Adapted by Ian Edginton)"

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

Adaption of the Granddaddy of all Sci-Fi novels, this book is the prequel to Dark Horses new series “Scarlet Traces”. Includes a 5 page preview. While I probably will not check out that series, the book WOTW was engrossing and a great Halloween treat to read. Consume it!

 

Simpsons Comics Madness

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

If you need a 24hr. a day Simpsons fix and it just happens to be one of the 4 hours a day the show happens to not be on- Check this OUT! May your years of readings be filled with D’Oh! Consume it!

 

 

"Ultimate Spiderman: Volume 4 Legacy"

WORTH CONSUMING!
The strain of making a new cohesive universe is beginning to show. Some of the elements not supposed to be introduced until later, like the Triskelion appear here instead of later on in the Ultimates. The use of Mary Jane to be the Gwen Stacy role on the 59th St. Bridge was inspired. And the evil of Secret Ops is truly and painfully revealed.

 

"The Mighty Marvel Western Featuring: Kid Colt and The Arizona Girl (One Shot)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

A really great Western tale that somehow ties in with the Skrulls. You will have to figure it out for yourself, but it works. The Philadelphia Philly story was dull, but the 3 bonus classic Tales are amazing, art and story-wise. And it features not only Kirby, but Dick Ayers as well!

"Mighty Marvel Westerns: Western Legends #1"

Another 2006 Western one shot by Marvel Comics comprised of tales of various Marvel Western heroes. Not the best in the series but still good.

The Man from Fort Rango is a C. Hurricane is an A. Red Wolf is an A.

Origin of the Rawhide Kid (A Classic Marvel Reprint) gets a B.

Still, it’s Worth Consuming.

 

WORTH CONSUMING!