Between Heaven and Ground Zero by Leslie Haskin

WORTH CONSUMING!

This book was an eye opening account to what actually happened inside of one of the Twin Towers during the 9/11 attacks. See, when you look at the footage of the towers after the planes hit, it really looks like just a lot of smoke and that the buildings suffered very little damage. However, according to the author’s first-hand account, the interior was nothing like what the TV viewer saw happening outside.

  Walls melted, fireballs ripped throughout the elevator shafts and anywhere else it could find an opening. Dozens of people fell to their deaths- not just the one or two victims shown on TV that day. It was utter chaos.

    That chaos is the only thing I didn't like about reading this book. It also happens to be the author's journal of events written during her recovery process from PTSD. As a survivor of abuse, I understand how confusing the process of unravelling the events can be. And while this book didn't trigger any events for me, it's still hard to follow. The utter panic and disorder felt by the author is eerily present. Some events seem disjointed. And it really makes it hard for a reader to understand just where and when the action is taking place. Thankfully, a series of appendixes are included and ease some of the burden.

     I also wish that the author took more time on writing about her personal life and her post-9/11 career. Many of the captions in the photograph section and the dust jacket imply this, and I felt myself wanting to know more. Hopefully, Haskin will write another book covering this area- or even an expanded edition. If she does, it's a done deal that I'll be searching it out at my local library.

Showcase Presents: House of Mystery, Vol. 1

WORTH CONSUMING!

Horror Comics were the first comics I ever bought. I was probably 3-5 years old. Oh, how I loved those old horror books. I probably spent many a quarter and then dollar, raiding the cheap bins at the local comic shop.

Now, 25 years late, little has changed- except now a vintage horror book will run you $10-$25 a pop! Thanks to DC for deciding to put these old tales into a digest reprint format. They were great fun.

 The biggest problem with this book is availability. Vol. 1 is now out of print and you may find yourself paying double the cover if you’re lucky to find this gem.  This volume is worth consuming, so happy hunting!

"Star Trek #5 (DC Comics 1989-1996, 2nd Series)"

The Blaise/ Kirk conflict is really the only thing going for this issue, but a really cool cover. Other than that, the story was boring and the art was a bit off.

"Star Trek #4 (DC Comics 1989-1996, 2nd Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Meet R.J. Blaise. A Federation appointed observer, who’s out to see how fit for command Jim Kirk is after the recent Klingon/ Nasgul crisis. How the crew rallies to protect Kirk makes this story an instant classic. And since R.J. is an independent woman… well, you know eventually what’s going to happen between her and Kirk.

"Star Trek #3 (DC Comics 1989-1996, 2nd Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Finally, a good issue! Took 3 tries to get it in the right direction. (Note: I did not say this was a great episode). Klaa is out for revenge on Kirk, and you know it will be a classic confrontation that won’t end well for the Klingons!

"Star Trek #2 (DC Comics 1989-1996, 2nd Series)"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

This new series is off to a rocky start. I don’t like this new race, The Nasgul. I don’t like the new ensigns. I don’t even like the Klingons, so far.

Things had better turn around quick.

"Zombies Calling!"

WORTH CONSUMING!

This book takes the “zombie rules” concept of “Shaun of the Dead” and turns it on its ear. Very funny- though a little too hyper at times. I enjoyed it, I just don’t know if it is something I’d just have to read again or own.

"Star Trek #1 (DC Comics 1989-1996, 2nd Series)"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

So, after investing 56 issues to a new set of crew members that I had grown to really like (Konom, Bryce, Bernie Sherwood, even Bearclaw), Star Trek returns in this new series with an entirely new crew!!!!

 

What’s up with that?

 

 I don’t want to meet an ensign who looks like a purple ram and has the hots for Sulu. I’m not interested in a security officer who is thinner than Olive Oyl and has Disco Balls for eyes. And the Nasgul? - What is this, Middle Earth?

 

 This issue’s only saving grace is that Peter David is writing this series again!

 

 I’m not very happy with this change!

Showcase Presents: House of Secrets, Vol. 1

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

First of all- I am going to collect the entire series run, if at all possible. Not all of these stories are bad. In fact, when it comes to the art, the twist endings, and a majority of plotlines, THOS is top-notch.

 However, Abel, the host of The House of Secrets is problematic. I think he is a great character (making him a scaredy cat is brilliant), and I like that his brother Abel (The House of Mystery) and the Witches (The Witching Hour) make cameos and interact with Abel. However, there isn’t consistent writing of his dialogue and whoever writes for him makes his narratives way to gothic and hard to understand. I want to read horror comics, not Emily Bronte.

 Also, I hate that the series shifts from little skits about Abel and goes straight to a 30 word intro in the top left hand corner and then the story. It’s really lacking compared to THOM.

 I hope this series picks up- and what’s more, I hope The Witching Hour gets reprinted in this format. I really like that series.

"Star Trek V: The Official Comic Book Adaptation"

Star Trek V: the comic book adaption lived up to its movie version counter-parts reputation. It’s starts off really funny, has some great action, 2 great Trek villains (Romulans and Klingons) and then once you find out that a rouge Vulcan set everything up to steal a spaceship and meet God, like the movie, it all just falls apart.

I’m very glad there no extra scenes in this. It’s not deserving of Director’s Cut status. And I am glad it’s over. Shatner is a great actor- but screenwriter/ director he is not. This is one time he should have foregone an attempt to stroke his ego.