Hopster’s Tracks #2

 

Yesterday I commented on why I didn’t understand how come Hopster’s Tracks didn’t take off. I thought it was a very clever and funny comic. Well, in issue #2, I got my answer. In a letter to her fans, creator Stephanie Gladdin commented that issue #2 was delayed being published for several months. I believe marketing and the covering of publication costs were the biggest reason for the delay. No matter what the excuses are, if you are trying to start up a new monthly comic, you’ve got to stick to your release dates or else interest in your new title is going to dry up pretty quick. Readers will lose interest and go on to the next best thing. Vendors and comic books shops will cancel subscriptions as there isn’t any product available and even worse- there isn’t any interest in the title anymore.

 

Again, I think it’s a shame that Hopster’s Tracks couldn’t find a rhythm. But upon reading the story in this issue, I came to another conclusion as to why this book didn’t take off. In issue 2- the kangaroo and wolf couple buy a car that turns out to be a lemon. When the car dealer refuses a refund, the wolf character decides to boycott the dealership. The name of the salesman? Hopster!

 

In other words, the character for who the comic book is named for is A) not even in the first issue and B) not even a major character. I can understand why readers would be turned off from the series because the title doesn’t match with the book. I wondered all throughout the first issue “why this is titled ‘Hopster’s Tracks’?” I never got an answer until this issue.

 

Sadly, this is a book that had great potential and it was squandered. The artist/ writer was very talented. But she failed to connect the reader to the book’s premise. I’m assuming that the salesman Hopster is also like the founder of the town or an ancestor. Also, Bongo Comics apparently gave more attention to their lucrative Simpsons properties and neglected to follow through in publishing this series on a consistent basis.

 

Talk about missing out on opportunities and wasting a promising talent like Gladdin and her colorful cast of characters.

 

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Hopster’s Tracks #1

This funny animal series was published by Bongo Comics. This short-lived series, the brainchild of one Stephanie Gladdin, is a surprise to me as I didn’t think Bongo published anything except Simpsons and Futurama titles. In Hopster’s Tracks the main characters are a spunky kangaroo, her greaser boyfriend- a wolf, and an adorable little otter? Not really sure what he is and I’m not sure if he’s the child of the couple or adopted, but he’s cute and has some great lines.

In this issue, the trio help out the fledging gas station of a friend. Faced to close up show thanks to the new bypass, the main characters look to spruce up the store by building a tourist attraction beside it. But when the business is turned into a giant dinosaur, that breathes fire, well you can imagine that the results are explosive.

This is another dollar bin gem that I’ve only come across once. For a funny animal comic, it’s not half bad and I would consider it all-ages, though there are a few “damns” sprinkled in. The art is very clean and the story and characters are memorable (Except for the names- I’m bad with names.) I’m not sure why this didn’t take off. Then again, I’m not really sure why Bongo Comics published it in the first place not being a Matt Groening property.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Reading Rainbow- the Free Comic Book Day Edition

The Human Target Special #1

 

Folks, you remember this show, right? Mysterious Christopher Chance is a soldier for hire, putting himself in the line of fire to protect his clientele from terrorists, murderers, and kidnappers. Sometimes he’d appear in public as the intended victim’s bodyguard. And sometimes he’d dress up as the target in order to end the threat to his customer’s livelihood. And it starred Rick Springfield????

 

The comic I read was based on the first attempt to bring the Human Target to TV. The show aired on ABC for a whopping 7 episodes. Needless to say it was a colossal fail. This version of the show is so obscure, I don’t think you can find it on VHS or DVD. I highly doubt anyone except maybe a diehard Rick Springfield fan even has this show on video anymore period.

 

I’ve only come across one copy of this in my years of trolling comic book stores and bargain boxes. This very issue, which I bought for less than a dollar is it. The book itself isn’t bad. The art is tag-teamed by the legendary Dick Giordano and Rick Burchett. It’s very classic Christopher Chance and it very clean. The stories themselves aren’t bad either. Both involve Chance’s organization being hired to help protect people whose lives are in danger.

 

This special also acts as a quick introduction to potential viewers of the show of the cast and characters- as well as their area of expertise. (This comic was published almost 8 months before the show finally aired after 2 years of sitting in ABC programming limbo.) Some of the dialogue is stale and the banter between Chance and his “booking agent” and obvious love interest on the perspective TV show is cloying. But the action, adventure, and plots of this special are top notch.

 

While I have no qualms to the limited lifespan of the TV show, I am disappointed that this didn’t spark more interest in the comic book. I like the idea behind the Human Target and years later, Fox would get it right with a series that at least for the first season was an instant classic. Hopefully, DC will create a Human Target collection of stories under their Showcase Presents line. I’d pay full price for that and in my case that speaks volumes.

Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Batman: Li'l Gotham, Volume 1

Unlike Mini Marvels, the super heroes of Li'l Gotham range from children to adults. Unlike Tiny Titans, you actually see the faces of the adult characters. So, just what is Li'l Gotham? I consider it Gotham Lite. Actually, since every story revolves around a holiday, maybe it should be called Batman: The Long Halloween Lite?

Li'l Gotham features the dynamic art and storytelling of  Dustin Nguyen. All of the characters are masterfully drawn, though the cast looks like they’re all comprised of children or dwarfs. The series is geared for all ages, but unlike most all-ages comics, it’s not cartoony. There’s fighting, ninja, gun-battles, and crime- something you just don’t see in Tiny Titans. Plus, Li'l Gotham may be a little more geared for ages 8 and up.

One unique thing about this series is how it draws upon the lore of the Batman family without being PG, PG-13, or R rated. For example, the serial killer Mr. Zsasz; in the adult books, he keeps track of his kills on his body and is a gruesome murderer. In Li'l Gotham, the character is turned into Mr. Zzzzzs, a lazy criminal who sleeps all day. Then you’ve got the character of Batwoman. In the adult books, she’s the female version of Batman and happens to be in a lesbian relationship with Rene Montoya. In Li'l Gotham, she appears briefly but parents who don’t want to expose their children to adult theme like sexuality won’t have to worry as her orientation isn’t ever an issue.

Even the relationship between Bruce Wayne and his baby mama, Talia, is handled with decorum. In this series, they’re a divorced couple who couldn’t stay married because he’s an agent of justice and she’s the daughter of a global terrorist. Yet, when it comes to Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, the two parents are actually able to bury their egos and work together for the betterment of their child, Damian. As a child of divorce, I can expertly ask “why can’t divorce parents learn from these two?”

This holiday themed series is such a treat for someone like me who enjoys collecting and reading holiday themed comics. I can’t wait for the second volume. With its dynamic art, deft storytelling, and respect for the history of lore of the Dark Knight and the DC Universe, it’s a shiny example of what all-age comics should be like and how the industry best needs to reach the next generation.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

When Will You Rise: Stories to End the World by Mira Grant

When I last experienced the Newsflesh zombie wasteland created by Mira Grant, I lamented the fact that she had published another short story set in the same universe by couldn’t access it because I don’t do eBooks. Well imagine my joy when the other day I found this “exclusive eBook” resting on the shelves at my local library in bound hardback form. Of course I snatched that baby up while making several patrons give me dirty looks as I squealed in delight. 

When Will You Rise is a collection of two short stories or novellas, depending on how you want to define them. The first story, ‘Countdown’ is the prequel to the Newsflesh trilogy. It shows how the two viruses that will become the Kellis-Amberlee zombie virus were created. The tale also provides a glimpse at what the Masons life was like before they became blogging sensations as well a glimpse into the quandary the CDC and other government agencies found themselves in as reports of the dead coming to life were coming true.

The only thing that this story was missing I thought was the missed opportunity to discover who the real parents of Shaun and George were and what they were like. We get to see what they’re future adoptive parents were like before the Rising but I think it would’ve been interesting to see if what their real folks were like. I think it could’ve been an interesting experiment in nature vs. nurture seeing how George and Shaun’s parents went about their lives. Did Shaun real father have a reckless swagger? Was George’s mother intuitive and a little punk like her? Were any of their parents from West Virginia? These are some interesting questions Grant could’ve explored while painting a picture of how the world fell into zombie chaos. 

The second story; 'Apocalypse Scenario #683: The Box,' isn’t set in the Newsflesh universe. In that tale, a group of friends learn that they may have unwittingly become both the destroyers and saviors of the human race. It’s an eerie tale left slightly open at the end. I think it ended way to short as I wanted to know more about what happens next. Maybe Grant will return to this scenario sometime in the near future.

This couple of tales were awesome. Grants has a clear writing style that is easy to follow. She makes her characters real and easy to know, if not understand, very quickly. That’s why I was left yelling “NOOOOOOO!” when The Box ended much too soon. I had grown to care about those 6 friends in just 30 short pages and I wanted to know more about their lives and how they were going to survive the apocalypse they accidently created. 

I am also hoping that more Newsflesh tales will be in the works. There is plenty of material that’s been left untouched that Grant could explore for her readers. She’s got a new trilogy that’s in the works and I look forward to reading those books when they become available but I hope she’s a little like Stephen King or Dean Koontz, who like to write several projects at a time. That way a new book set in this zombie apocalypse can come out sooner than later. 

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Adventures of Captain America: Sentinel of Freedom #4

 

The Adventures of Captain America concludes with the good captain betrayed and imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp. Now it’s up to Bucky to lead a revolt and to restore Cap’s confidence in himself. The events that unfold explain why Peggy Carter is noticeably absent from this story. True in the past, she’s Agent 13 and doesn’t meet with Steve Rogers until he’s finally on the front supporting the troops. But over time, her part in the development of the Super Soldier program has evolved to include her in Rogers’ story from day one. So, I kept wondering why she’s not in this reboot of the Captain America origin. Now I know and so will you if you read this awesome miniseries.

 

In my opinion, this series in the definitive Captain America origin story of the modern age of comics. Sadly, you never hear anyone talking about this obscure series from 1991. I keep finding these four books in dollar bargain bins at comic shows and stores. It’s a steal! If you are a huge fan of Captain America like I am, you really should grab this series. Over time, I think The Adventures of Captain America is going to become a hidden gem and its value going to sky-rocket. Thus, it’s going to become even harder to find. So take advantage of the savings now. Your collection and wallet will thank me.

 

Worth Consuming!

 

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Adventures of Captain America: Sentinel of Freedom #3

Agents of the Red Skull and an operative known only as Agent X are dispatched to apprehend or kill any and all scientists who had anything to do with the Super Solider project. But when Cap’s CO, who happens to know some key ingredients to the formula that created Captain America is kidnapped, Steve Rogers is ordered to stand down.

Not willing to let a good man die, Rogers, Bucky, and a Peggy Carter archetype that’s caught Steve’s eye commandeer a cargo plane. Their destination will send them deep into Nazi occupied France and unless they can connect with the French Resistance, all is lost and Hitler will have all the needed information to create his own Super Soldier.

This is classic Captain America. Steve Rogers is willing to take orders. But when he feels that those orders are wrong and violates the American way of life that he’s sworn to symbolize, he won’t pussy foot around. Cap’s going to do what’s right and later, he’ll accept a court material because he did disobey orders and that action was still wrong.

That’s what I love about Captain America. 70 years later and he is still this symbol of freedom, or democracy, and of our nation. True, he has lost his faith in government and his leaders from time to time- but all Americans have from time to time. Yet no matter what happens, Steve Rogers still believes in the Red, White, and Blue and has patriotic pride.

Cap is my #1 super hero of all time with Superman a close 2^nd. Often I waiver back and forth over who I like better. I look a little like Clark Kent with a curly cue mop top and slightly horned rim glasses. I’ve cosplayed as Superman and Superboy a number of times. I’ve 4x as much Superman stuff as I have Captain America items- including the number of books I have read and collected of each.  But the way Superman has evolved over the years has gone from symbol of Truth, Justice, and the American way to a demi-god to a god to an alien citizen of not just the US but the world. Captain America has remained static. He’s an average Joe who wanted to serve his nation. That sacrifice resulted in his suspended animation and now he’s trying to live to the 1940s standard of American morals while living in a modern day waste land.

This third chapter of the Captain America origin reboot is perfect in every way. It’s written in a style that all of the great Captain America writes have emulated in the past and it stand up to the man as he’s presented today. Issue #3 is proof why Captain America is good for America and my favorite super hero.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

 

The Adventures of Captain America: Sentinel of Freedom #2

 

 As the only Super Soldier in existence, Steve Rogers in forbidden to do anything more than raise money for war bonds. So, when he uncovers a smuggling ring operating inside Camp Lehigh, he decides to take matters in his own hands. I feel that by having Rogers don a leather jacket and ski cap during his first ever outing was a complete rip-off of Frank Miller. In his seminal Batman: Year One, Miller has Bruce Wayne first mission as a vigilante meet a less than perfect ending when the poor little rich boy discovers that to instill fear in the hearts of criminals, you must dress the part.

 

Other than that small episode of petty theft, I think the continuing reboot of the Sentinel of Liberty continued to break some new ground. The biggest impact in this issue was the reimagining of Bucky Barnes. Sure, he’s still a punk kid, but he’s got an edge and is extremely resourceful. Eventually, this new look on Bucky will morph into Ed Brubaker’s Winter Solider Bucky.

 

With Brubaker’s Bucky, the sidekick to Captain America is actually an adult who just looks young. Not wanting to put a child in actual danger but looking to answer to Hitler’s Nazi Youth movement, the government created this sidekick to inspire America’s youth and to provide some much needed back-up to Cap. The Bucky in this series is essentially still the Camp mascot who stumbles upon Steve Rogers changing into Captain America. But, he’s got some fire in his belly where the Simon and Kirby Buck did not.

Without this new take on the classic 40s sidekick, I don’t think you would have Brubaker’s Winter Soldier. There’s just no way is some snot nosed 12-year old going to be believable as the 20^th Century’s most brutal assassin. It’s just another example of how the Adventures of Captain America were influential into transforming Captain America into the patriotic media darling that he is today.

 

Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars

 

 

 

 

 

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Well, I guess I might as well talk about my movie night. As you can probably guess, I went to see Captain America: The Winer Soldier. The film is based partially on the story of the same name writed by the great Ed Brubaker. In that book, Captain America learns that his former partner Bucky didn’t die in World War II, but was discovered by the Soviets and turned into a one-man killing machine Over the course of 60 years, Bucky is brought out of suspended animation to do the Soviets dirty work, such as killing high ranking officials. Can you say the Kennedy Assassination?

The movie also harkens back to an early 1970s Captain America story in which he and his partner, Falcon discover that the American government has been infiltrated by a secret cabal that seeks to rule the world through fear and intimidation by overthrowing the American government. It was implied that Nixon was the leader of this terrorist group and result in Capt. temporarily abandoning the shield and becoming Nomad: the man without a country.

So, in this movie, you’ve got the Winter Soldier, a secret government cabal seeking to overthrow the government of not just America, but the world, you’ve got the introduction of Falcon, and you’ve got Captain America on the run accused of being a traitor to SHIELD. I don’t want to give away too muhc more about the film because there are some great twists and turns in the film.

The ending ofWinter Soldier will greatly affect the plots of the forthcoming slew of Marvel movies that will be invading theatres this Summer and next. Not only does what happen in this film look in impact the future of the the X-Men and Avengers alike, but some of the shadier actions of politicans and other high ranking officials in past Marvel films make more sense after you see Captain America.

But perhaps the project most impacted by the Winter Soldier is the ABC series Agents of SHIELD. In fact, I am extremely glad that I decided to catch up on my watching of the show, but I am also glad that I waited to watch the last 3 weeks worth of episodes until after I watched Winter Soldier.  You could watch the last few episodes of the show, but I suggest you press pause on your DVR , put on your shoes, and head to theatres and watch Winter Soldier first. You’ll be glad you did- heck, you might even thank me. Again, without giving away spoilers, much of what happens in this movie has been directly influenced by the ABC series and the film will mean for some serious upheavels for Agent Coulson and his team.

In terms of the film- it was awesome. Lots of great Easter eggs. Full of fantastic action and adventure. There was one point where I was afraid the film was going to turn into some puff piece examining a love story between Steve Rogers and Black Widow. But it only served to lull me into a false sense of security before all hell breaks loose. I consider this one of my all-time favorite super hero films. Sadly, it can’t unseat the Dark Knight, but I don’t think anything is going to outshine Heath Ledger’s Joker anytime soon. However, when the film was over- I was left wanting to get back in line and see it again. That’s a good movie.

Finally, as you know Marvel movies have a secret scene towards the end of the credits. Well, stay until the end of the movie- there are 2 scenes, not just one. I tell you this not to spoil anything, but to give you the full movie going experience. I saw at least half of the audience leave the movie not knowing of this second hidden scene. So, not you are full warned to sit through the entire thing.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Took a Day off from Blogging...

Went to the movies- Be Back Tomorrow!

The Adventures of Captain America: Sentinel of Freedom #1

 

It’s 1991 and you’ve got to ask yourself, “Is another retelling of Captain America’s origin really needed?” In this case, I would have to answer, “YES!” This four-part mini-series lays a much needed foundation repair to the story of how 98-lb weakling Steve Rogers turned into a muscular symbol of American freedom. Also, without this story, I think much of the modern day success of the Captain America family as well as the recent collection of films about the Sentinel of Liberty would never come to bear.

The story starts as usual, frail Steve Rogers wants to serve his country, but is turned don’t when he fails his physical. Inspired by his patriotism, a scientist working on a formula to create an army of American super soldiers, drafts Rogers into his project and within hours is transformed into Captain America. That’s how the story unfolds in the 1940s origin of Capt. But in this retool; Rogers must prove himself by succeeding in a number of tests as well as become trained in military discipline and tactics.

 

One of the candidates in a former college football star named Jake Windmere. What’s notable about him is that he is the only black recruit for the Super Soldier project. I believe that without his addition to this story, you wouldn’t have the fantastic story Truth: Red, White, & Black which introduces us to the Isaiah Bradley, the black Captain America.

 

I thought that this opening chapter was superb and I felt like I was reading an early draft of Captain America: the First Avenger. It’s a great appetizer for the Winter Soldier movie that I should be going to see tomorrow. This book has fantastic art and the watercolor palette is perfect for that sepia toned old-timey look. Amazing stuff.

 

Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

 

 

 

 

Marvel 1602: Fantastick Four #5

It’s the final battle between Reed Richards and Von Doom with Atlantis stuck in the middle. The battle is epic and with some awesome cameos at the end, it’s leaves the reader with an unsettling conclusion and a mind-blowing opening for a sequel. Though, it’s been several years since this book was published, so I highly doubt that will ever happen.

 

The thing about this book I hate the most is the cover. Reed looks like he’s mutating into a cross between that pointy Spider-man villain Stryke and Man-Bat. It’s pretty gross looking.

 

With awesome art, a Fantastic storyline, and a careful eye for detail, especially in regards to trying to be as historically accurate as possible, it’s a must for fans of Fantastic Four or alternate timelines. It’s a very good read.

 

Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

 

Happy Easter!

Marvel 1602: Fantastick Four #4



Alternate Cover to issue #4.

 

The uneasy alliance of the crew of the Fantastic, the Frightful Four, and Doom continues as all awaken to find that they have survived their plunge off the edge of the world. As a result, the characters find themselves in Atlantis, which in this reality, hasn’t sunk, only shrouded itself with some fancy “smoke and mirrors” to keep away nosy sailors. In other words, the world is round, but the residents of Atlantis have crafted the clever rouse of a flat earth in order to protect themselves from invaders.

The leader of Atlantis is you guessed it, Prince Namor- the Sub-Mariner. He’s got eyes for Sue Storm, whose recent burst of protective powers of the Fantastick has now made her the Visible Woman. Apparently, the Storm family in the 1600s is really hot, as Namor’s cousin Namorita has eyes for Jon Storm as well.

Once these Atlanteans have made their wanton intentions known, the diabolical Doom works in the shadows to bring an end to Reed Richards. In return for the betrothals of the Storms, the residents of Atlantis will destroy Richards, Grimm, and their ship. It’s classic Victor Von Doom callousness. Strangely, I like it. Though, Sue Storm mustn’t be showing very well, because I find it hard to believe that Namor would be so interested in her if he knew she’d been knocked up by a human (in this timeline, Richards and Storm are having their child out of wedlock, something I highly doubt Stan Lee would’ve allowed in the 1960s even if the Comics Code didn’t exist.)

I enjoyed this issue. I really thought the subterfuge behind the protection of Atlantis and sailors’ thinking they would sail off the edge of the world was a stroke of genius. I’m very interested in reading what happens next, though I must say, this was probably the weakest of the issues in the series thus far.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

 

 

 

Marvel 1602: Fantastick Four #3

 

Facing the peril of falling off the face of the earth, the crew of the Fantastick, the Frightful Four, and Doom must form a temporary alliance. You know it’s not going to last once doom finds an angle to bend things to his advantage.

 

This is why I hate Victor Von Doom. He’s such a sleaze ball. But, this book does an excellent job portraying that. Thankfully, Reed Richards as well as the rest of his crew knows not to trust Doom any more than necessary.

 

A very good middle chapter. Why this series is 5 issues long and not 4 is beyond me. I think it should be a requirement that if your comics’ title has a number in it, that any mini-series should have no more or no less than that number of issues in it. Thus any Fantastic Four mini should only have 4 issues. But hey, that’s just me.

 

Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Locke & Key, Book 6: Alpha & Omega

I didn’t intend to read a Joe Hill book right after reading a book by his famous father, Stephen King. It just happened. I’ve been reading Locke & Key since it first came out in hardback starting in 2009. I’ve gone through many ups and downs with the Locke family and their adventures with the magical keys of Keyhouse.

 

I’m actually glad this series is over. I didn’t hate it and I wasn’t disappointed with this volume in the least. But, I hate when series overstay their welcome and become dull and boring. Thankfully, Hill and his partner in crime artist Gabriel Rodriguez closed the door to the series before things got stale.

This volume contains the final chapter of Locke & Key. Unlike some finales there really wasn’t any plotlines left untidy. I felt like there was absolute finality in the series, especially with the touching reunions seen in the final chapter. Maybe Hill & Rodriguez will revisit the Keyhouse with a new family or even explore more of the origins of the House and the keys. But for now, I’ve got closure and I am very satisfied with it.

 

This is not a series for all-ages. Lots of sex, gore, and violence abound in this final volume. The action and dialogue was fast paced and epic. I see big things for Joe Hill and I hope he decides to explore the graphic novel/ comics medium again real soon.

 

(FUN FACT: NEAR THE BEGINNING OF THIS BOOK, THERE IS A FLASHBACK SCENE OF A CAR ACCIDENT. IN ONE PANEL, YOU SEE AN EMT WORKING ON A VICTIM, WEARING A YELLOW COAT. IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY, YOU WILL DISCOVER THAT THIS IS A CAMEO OF STEPHEN KING IN A NOD TO HIS NUMEROUS APPEARANCES IN FILMS BASED ON HIS NOVELS. IT’S A VERY COOL TRIBUTE TO THE “KING” OF HORROR.)

 

Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Dark Man: An Illustrated Poem by Stephen King and Glenn Chadbourne

 

This 1969 poem was inspiration to what would become in author Stephen King’s opinion “His greatest villain.” Written while in college, The Dark Man sets the tone for the character Randall Flagg from King’s The Stand. I’ve never read The Stand, but my wife has and she says Flagg is “evil”.

 

In this poem, we see the Dark Man walking the railroads of America bringing death, dread, and destruction with him. The narrator claims he’s camped with hobos, enjoy cold beverages on hot summer’s days, and even deflowered a pretty girl in a meadow. But, it’s thanks to the artwork of Glenn Chadbourne that we see that these acts aren’t so innocent.

 

The Dark Man features some of the creepiest artwork this side of that classic kid’s anthology “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.” I wouldn’t be surprised if it was an inspiration to Chadbourne. Perhaps the most unsettling thing about the artwork are all of the dead bodies hidden in the background of the drawings. I doubt each page has a corpse hidden in between the lines but once you see a couple of them, your brain starts to see them everywhere.

 

Truly a terrifying read. I would not recommend reading this is the dark or during Halloween. My not knowing who Flagg was might’ve made the main character of this poem more frightening than it really was. But it’s a creepy read.

 

This book is a must for any fan of Stephen King and their collections. The poem is only about 300 words- if that, and only 70 pages. About 10 pages don’t even contain words. This is not the type of book I’d buy. At $25.00 the price is pretty steep. Thankfully, I found this at my local library and as long as I turn it in on time, won’t have paid a dime.

 

Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.