Killer Ribs: Mouthwatering Recipes from North America's Best Rib Joints by Nancy Davidson

This tome on the art of smoking ribs was published in 2006. It details some of the best rib eateries in all the 50 states and in Canada. Yes, Canada! Turns out that our friends to the North are known for taking culinary tours of American BBQ and some have brought the all-American meal of ribs, beef, pork and everything in between, back across the border with them!

If you are using this book as a travel guide, you might be rather disappointed. Of the 3 locations listed in my home state of North Carolina, 2 of them are now defunct. More often than not, BBQ joints are a family run business. So unfortunately death, divorce or old age has caused for quite a few rib joints to close. COVID-19 did a number on the restaurant industry as well. My advice, utilize a Google search when using this book as your next culinary travel guide.

Thankfully, there's more to this book than locales. In every 2 page spread, along with a history of the restaurant and its pit masters, you get a recipe and tips for selecting the right cut of meat and the best wood for the job. I was surprised that many of the recipes were provided by the pit masters. I always thought such information was treated with more care and confidentiality than an American President with Top Secret documents. 

Some of the recipes are for the rub. Some are for making sauces. Fewer are about actual cooking of ribs. Surprisingly, there's a recipe for making alligator ribs and another one for mutton. And if you are thinking about skipping the rub, DON'T! You might think that the salt is unnecessary sodium in the formula. But it's needed to help break down the proteins and impart the other spices and smoke deep down all the way to the bones. If you are worried about your blood pressure, find ways to cut it in the sauce. I was surprised to find how many pit masters thumb their nose at BBQ sauce! It's naked ribs or nuthin'!

So why did I read this book? Well, recently, my wife ordered me a smoker. We got a fantastic deal that I don't think I am at liberty in mentioning here. (Feel free to PM me if you want the details.) Now that the smoker has arrived and I am setting it up, I realized that I had this book, which I got as a prize for participating in last year's summer reading program at our local library. It felt as good a time as any to get some further learning on the subject. 

Here's a few highlights:

* Remove the back skin. Or don't. Some pit masters think that elastin keeps the ribs from falling apart. 

* Use the smoker to primarily impart the flavors. Going at a temp no higher than 250F, a lot of pit masters get the ribs up to temp by finishing in the oven.

*Speaking of ovens, that's the time for the sauce. Not while in the smoker. That's the #1 way to ruin a smoker. Not to mention, burning the ribs.

*Lastly, the amount of celery seeds and celery salt used by rib joints... It's a wonder that I have made it to 48. I'm very allergic to stuff. Yet I would say 3 out of every 10 recipes didn't call for the stuff! I eat ribs a lot. How have I not succumbed to a batch of saucy hidden dangers?!

If anything, I learned the process. I've got my own ideas for the blend mixture of wood chips to use. Same goes for the sauce. Just about every pit masters in here has firm guidelines for how to smoke their meats. But when it comes to flavors, spiciness and taste, they almost always say to adjust with what you prefer. 

I've got nearly 2 decades of culinary education and experience, so with exception of the mutton recipe, I'm going to experiment. But if you are a newbie to cooking, definitely start out with what the experts say on the first go-round. Then adjust to your preference as you repeat the recipe. 

Oh, and one more thing, if you are going to become the next great pit master, get a high quality smoker. But don't break the bank. The cheapest of smokers often are not worth the materials that they are constructed from. In fact, the greatest smoker I ever encountered was my grandfather's and it was made from an old drum and ample amounts of solder. If you know how to build it yourself and you can do the job right: do it! Size doesn't necessarily matter either as the 2nd best one was a tiny little number my other granddad got at Lowe's. 

If there's one thing that I know about BBQ, not grilling barbecue, but BBQ'd beef, pork, chicken and gator, apparently, it's that while all these championship pit masters claim that they know how to make perfect smoked grub, there is NO definitive way to smoke meat. So, go with what you know and love and you'll enjoy the lengthy process of low and slow for some killer ribs!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

America the Edible: A Hungry History, from Sea to Dining Sea by Adam Richman

Written in 2010, Adam Richman was riding high as the host of Man V. Food. The Travel Channel series saw Richman going to various cities, exploring the food culture. He'd close out each episode by going to an eatery that boasted a ridiculous food eating challenge. I remember on our first anniversary, I ate a 64 oz Sundae in less than 10 minutes. Unfortunately, you didn't get it free unless you finished it in 4 minutes or less. But hopefully, you get the picture of what Adam Richman was doing.

This book isn't tied into his Travel Channel travels. However, Richman does go on to review the culture and history of almost a dozen cities in the United States. Being July and the sesquicentennial, this seemed like an appropriate read. Cleveland, Ohio, Austin, Texas, and Savannah Georgia are some of the foodie destinations Richman explores. Only St. Louis, Missouri and Brooklyn were the places that the author chronicles that I have been to. So I learned a lot. Plus I made notes of places to check out the next time I travel to the Show Me State to visit my wife's family. 

Before Man V. Food, Adam Richman was a struggling actor either trying to survive in Hollywood or travelling the nation as part of a theater troupe. In those cities, he made notes of the eateries he had listed as well as the various tours of food markets and manufacturing. As an actor, its a common practice to give recommendations to other thespians when they are in a city for their next acting gig. Plus, being on the road can feel like a blur, so Richman would journal of the places he visited, and take pictures, in order to keep memories both good and bad. When it came to the bad, there was usually a woman involved.

I like Adam Richman now. He's really insightful and funny on shoes like The Foods That Built America and Hazardous History with Henry Winkler. But during his stint on MVF, I could take him or leave him. I liked his tour guide persona at the beginning of the show. His Jewish Michael Jordan persona when he would partake in during the food competition parts of the show, not so much... This book reflects Richman as a struggling, young actor. He was also kind of a slut. 

In every city, he's got a girl that he's either in a doomed relationship with or he's hooking up with or failing misery despite giving it everything he's got. There's a fair amount of sex. Thankfully, it's not raunchy, locker room accounts of his conquests. And I will admit, he's got charisma. But it's really annoying. 

I also don't understand the whole sexy food culture. Being in the culinary industry for nigh 21 years, I have never understood it. I'm more of an addict than a lover. But Richman gets down right orgasmic with the food. I do commend that when he finds a meal that was lackluster, he doesn't hold back. I critique the food I eat too. But having taught culinary high schoolers and college students, I'm a bit more forgiving when it comes to poor service and mistakes as long as you don't try to kill me by not properly addressing my food allergy when I ask if celery seeds are in the cole slaw 

Like I said earlier, I learned a lot about each city. Though the 3rd through about the 6th page of every chapter read like a student's report on major city. The climate. The natural resources. The breakdown of the ethnic population. I felt like I was grading my Culinary II students annual projects on Popular American Soups. It's not Richman's fault. He does a good job. It's just those sections felt very familiar to me...

This book is 16 years old. Richman, I see, has been happily married for about 3 years now. While hosting MVF, he gained nearly a 100 pounds. Famously, he quit the show to take better care of himself. He has probably matured lots as he got older. It was just a shock to see how candid he gets about food, travel, acting, his love life... It's like seeing your high school math teacher in public somewhere. It's awkward. And it's not something I can add to my office bookshelf for my students to borrow. 

I'll probably keep it until Christmas. That's when we're supposed to go to St. Louis. It'll be interesting to see if some of the places he ate at 20 years ago are still there. And you better believe, I'll be getting some Imo's pizza when I am there. It's amazing stuff with a unique, creamy cheese calld Provel and something of which both Richman and myself can agree.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Feasting on Asphalt: The River Run by Alton Brown

Recently one of my culinary students asked me if I had ever heard of Alton Brown. Had I heard of Alton Brown? He's like my culinary hero. He's one of the reasons I got into becoming a foodie. He actually advised me in person to go to culinary school in order to achieve certain career goals I had.

Yes, I have heard of Alton Brown!!!

I had several of his books on the bookcase in my office and brought them out for my student to inspect. From looking them over I inspired myself to take one of his books and give it a read in my quest for extending my culinary knowledge. 

I chose Feasting On Asphalt: The River Run because I had been such a fan of the 6-part documentary along with the first miniseries. In 2007, Alton Brown and his camera crew rented motorcycles and a RV to drive the entire length of the Mississippi River, starting all the way down in the Louisiana Delta up to the lutefisk filled waters of Minnesota. 

Along the way, the crew would explore the diners, restaurants and food manufacturers that were off the beaten path in hopes of recapturing the spirit of the All-American road trip before the days of the interstate highway systems made everything much more accessible.

There's a lot of fun to be had going the long way. Sadly, the extra time isn't one of those benefits. But by travelling the byways as opposed to the interstates, there are still some small town gems to be found. But you better hurry as larger box stores and restaurant conglomerates are making those bight spots fade into distant memory.

This book is a journal companion piece to the video diary Brown makes of his trip. Added to this book that you don't find on the show are about 40 recipes. Brown also includes a buyer's guide for some of the special ingredients he bought along his trek to make those dishes. However, being that this book is about 15 years old and COVID lockdown did considerable damage to the smaller corners of the culinary industry, don't be surprised if many of the attractions and purveyors are no longer in business.

I wish Alton Brown had written such a journal for his first road trip which explored the original path of legendary Route 66. Also, I just recently learned that there was a third volume in the series! Feasting on Waves had Alton and company on boats touring the Caribbean. How did I miss this one?! And why didn't Alton write a book about it?? I especially would like such a thing since with Alton Brown's relationship with Food Network has been terminated, Feasting on Waves is no longer available on streaming. 

Ah... missed opportunities.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Credo: The Rose Wilder Lane Story

I choose to read this book for a couple of reasons. I have a feeling that my wife will also enjoy this book. Plus, I really liked creator Peter Bagge's biography of Zora Neale Hurston. The main subject of this book is Rose Wilder Lane; the daughter of one Laura Ingalls Wilder; writer and main character of the Little House on the Prairie series of books.

My wife grew up in the 70s and 80s during a time when interest in Laura Ingalls Wilder's autobiographical books was at a resurgence thanks to the Little House on the Prairie TV show that starred Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert. I think my wife would have been considered a fanatic of Little House as a kid. She read all of the books- numerous times over! She watched the show religiously, refusing to go to bed until after the program ended. And for Halloween and just regular kid play time, she and her sister would dress up as the characters and play with the neighbor children as Laura and sister Caroline.

Anyways, back to Rose. If it wasn't for Lane, the Little House books might never have happened. Laura was great at recalling past events. But she was unable to divert from the facts to make her tales very interesting. Thus, it's safe to say that Rose was definitely the editor of Laura's memoirs. There's also a very good argument amongst fans that she may have rewritten if not completely ghost written a very large portion of the books. While Rose's contributions to Laura's writings are the main reason I (and probably my wife will) read this book, it's actually not her only contribution to the literary world.

Rose Wilder Lane was a pioneering feminist writer in the 1930s-early 50s. Wilder toured much of Europe and chronicled her visits in a number of publications including The Saturday Evening Post and Woman's Day. She was like a precursor to the Travel Channel! Much of her earliest fiction writings were considered scandalous if only for the tawdry episodes of romance and passion that the stories contained. Though it didn't help that it was a woman who was writing such 'trash.' But it was her political essays that got the writer into the most trouble.

Among those who favor smaller government, Rose Wilder Lane is considered a pioneer of Libertarianism. She was also a staunch anti-Communist and anti-Fascist. This won her a lot of fans who were afraid of the rise of political tyrannies in Europe and Asia as well as government overreach at home. Yet, during World War II, when Lane began to criticize FDR's New Deal policies, the writer began to incur the wraith of the FBI. All of a sudden, Lane was deemed unpatriotic. In retaliation, Lane stepped up her critique of American policy, including the unfair treatment of blacks and women. She also decided to forgo large paychecks in order to not have to pay the government a single dime from her coffers!

To say Rose Wilder Lane was an odd duck is putting it mildly. Thanks to her pioneer upbringing, she was fiercely independent. Lane couldn't stay still, travelling and pulling up stakes frequently. She might have been bi-sexual based on some of her long-time companions. The writer might have been involved in a couple of cults; though they were way less creepy than a lot of the ones we see on the news nowadays. Sadly, Rose also suffered from bi-polar disorder.

I really feel that Lane's mental illness was the one thing that Peter Bagge glossed over. Bagge merely hints at the possible homosexual affairs as there's never been definitive proof of such. But Lane had a tragic stillbirth, which resulted in an emergency hysterectomy. The loss of the chance to become a mother haunted her throughout her life and resulted in the unofficial adoption of many children and grandchildren. Peter Bagge does chronicle these relationships. I just don't feel that he really captures the lows Lane suffered from as much as focusing on her highs.

I gotta say that Peter Bagge doesn't paint a rosy picture of Laura Ingalls Wilder. She seemed like a mean old biddy and I'm glad she wasn't my grandmother! From how my wife talked, I thought Laura and her husband Almanzo were this perfect, loving couple. In reality, she was such a bitter person that the man Laura dubbed 'Manly' was seriously emasculated. As for Rose, I really think Laura did anything but make her life a living hell. No wonder Rose wanted to be anywhere but where she was!

A powerful account of an almost forgotten character of 20th century American history. With an extensive notes section, full of photos and facts, it was a good read. Though, a magnifying glass with that small print font might be needed.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Life With Archie #172 (2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

To complete this task for the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge, 'bought from your favorite LCS', I could have gone hog wild. My favorite comic shop is a hybrid comic book store/used book shop called Books Do Furnish a Room in Durham, NC. I subscribe new releases from them. But I didn't want to review something brand new. As a result, I gave myself a budget of $2, with the parameter of finding something neat that I had never seen before. And this was what I found. 

It's the Summer of 1976 and it seems like everyone has bicentennial fever. The American government sponsored a pair of freedom trains that toured the county with over 500 artifacts as a traveling museum of Americana. The US mail sponsored a patriotic set of stamps. The Treasury Dept. produced commemorative quarters. In entertainment, Elvis put on a series of shows with songs devoted to the founding of America. The NFL had players wear patches on their jerseys. Companies like 7-Up, Kleenex, Duncan Yo-Yo,Snoopy, even a publisher of the King James Bible were among the countless brands that produced special bicentennial products that year. Yes, even the comic book industry got involved. 

Marvel's 1976 calendar was bicentennial themed. Jack Kirby's heralded return to Marvel kicked off with a Captain America treasury devoted to the founding of our country. DC produced a tabloid sized salute to America hosted by the Man of Steel along with a release of specially tagged covers. And Archie Comics released Life With Archie #172.

Titled 'Birth of A Nation', the story involves Archie and the gang travelling to Washington, D.C. on a school field trip. The friends travel to the Lincoln Memorial, the White House and other patriotic places of interest before heading to the National Archives. At that museum, the gang view the Declaration of Independence.

While reading the words of Thomas Jefferson, Archie finds himself transported back in time to 1773. No longer in D.C., Archie is now situated in Boston Harbor, dressed as an Indian and tossing tea into the drink. After taking part of the Boston Tea Party, Archie is chased by British soldiers throughout Beantown only to be saved by Paul Revere. Only Paul looks an awful lot like Jughead!

Soon Archie takes part in Paul Revere's midnight ride. After he completes his run, Archie continues to jump through time witnessing the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the winter at Valley Forge and other key moments during the Revolutionary War, all the while encountering important figures in history; only they're portrayed by members of the Archie gang.

This Archie story is a rare one in that it comprises the entire issue with one exception. There is a L'il Jinx one-pager that greatly satirizes the fervor of bicentennial commercialism. L'il Jinx's observation that all that collectibles and knickknacks being sold in honor of America's 200th birthday should be referred to as 'buy-cenetennial!' I think when it comes to the creators of this book, they definitely practiced what they preached.

Though there aren't any credits attributed to this issue, an online search credits Frank Doyle as the writer with Stan Goldberg and John D'Agostino on art. I'm pretty sure that Up With People and the Bicentennial Feel Good Committee (or whatever it was my mom always referred to) had some input with the script because this story paints an incredibly rosy picture of America. 

Currently, there is great debate in our over the teaching of critical race theory; especially in regards to how our country was formed. So I am not sure how this issue would be presented if it was released new today. Nor am I sure how well this book would be received.  But in 1976, Americans were trying to feel good again what with the aftermath of Watergate, the energy crisis and Vietnam. Thus, the pomp and circumstance surrounding the 200th birthday of the United State of America was promoted as a feel good party for its citizens. 

Life With Archie #172 definitely reflects a lot of that national pride. As a result of the ultra-positivism, some of this story reads kinda corny. Especially the closing part when Archie returns to the present day and is thanked by a National Archives security guard for being a fine teenaged patriot.

If you were looking for a Bicentennial time capsule to add to your comic book collection, this would be the issue to get. It's beauty is surely found in the eye of it's beholder. But there is no doubt that this comic is patriotic.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #34 (Bought From Your Favorite LCS) of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 184

  It's Independence Day! The day we celebrate our forefather's declaring independence from England. 

   Normally with the A Madman Turns 40 project, I show you what celebrations were like the year I was born. But I can't find any photos of bbqs or fireworks from that day. So, did we just skip celebrating the Fourth that year?
  
   What I could find was a lot of photos of magazines. Apparently, it was the day to change out the magazine bins that Independence Day. I found covers from a variety of magazines such as the ones below:

America's First Family of 1977:
Lee Majors and Farrah Fawcett-Majors.

In 1977 Ted Turner was winning America's Cup trophies.
40 years later he's losing to President Donald Trump in a viral Wrestlemania vid.

There seemed to be quite a bit of sports that day. Wimbledon in London was taking place. There were also at least 2 races held during the Fourth. I wonder why they don't do races anymore on weekdays?

Actually, I think I have a pretty good idea why the celebrations for Fourth of July, 1977 were so low-key. We overdid it for our bi-centennial a year prior. 

Well, that's my look at 1977 for the day. Sorry it wasn't much more patriotic. When it comes to researching the past, you win some and you lose some. I just really expected to win with this Independence Day post.

Scene from July 4, 1976 celebrations.
We partied so hard that year, we kicked 1876's ass!
But the Independence hangover lasted until well in late 1977.

Until next time...

1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 149

   It's Memorial Day today. Now like some holidays such as Labor Day and Thanksgiving, Memorial Day doesn't take place on the same day. But I thought I could still take a look at Memorial Day in my birth year.

Wilmington National Cemetery,
Wilmington, NC.

An unknown relative places flowers at a Veteran's Grave,
Sawtelle Veteran's Cemetery.

A joint forces Memorial ceremony,
Ramstein Air Force Base, Gemany.

     Of course, there was more than just parades and tributes on this day. For many, there were BBQs and celebrations galore.

Celebrities such as Steve Martin and Karen Carpenter
engaged in a charity softball game, Las Vegas, Nevada.

      Here's a scene from a random cookout in rural America.

    Okay- well, that's my look at Memorial Day, 1977. Hope everyone has a great day. 

     Until next time...

1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 144

 

  I've been looking forward to this day since I first came up with the idea of A Madman Turns 40. Today marks the 40th anniversary of the debut of Star Wars. 
   
      That epic story of good versus evil. A young farmer boy becomes the hero of a fledgling rebellion. 

       A love story that spans ages. Boy rescues girl. Boy kisses girl- a lot. Turns out boy and girl are siblings. 

Opening day of Star Wars at Mann's Chinese Theatre.

       I love Star Wars. It's always been around. Loved it so much, I was playing the soundtrack today during the cooking class I teach in honor of Star Wars turning 40.

      For most, turning 40 would freak them out. Not me. As long as Star Wars is my same age, I'm fine with it. I was that way when I turned 30. Same when I turned 35. Getting older doesn't bother me because Star Wars is the same age as I. Plus, Star Wars doesn't die. My parents, who encouraged my love of Star Wars, especially my dad, have passed. But Star Wars has always been there for me.

The original 4 Burger King glasses. I still need them for my collection.

       I really wanted there to be some sort of showing of the first Star Wars in theatres today.  But I guess Disney didn't think it through enough to do such a thing. That's okay- I've been catching up on episodes of Star Wars Rebels today instead. 

The early bird Star Wars figures.
Kenner didn't know that Star Wars would be so hot and didn't make enough
action figures. So for Christmas, 1977, Most kids got a certificate
promising to ship the figures ASAP.

        Star Wars changed the world. It changed movies. Inspired a generation of new film makers. It changed how sequels are crafted and film franchises are marketed not just to fans but specifically kids. Thanks to Star Wars, big blockbuster movies have to have toys and merchandise in order to help make money and meet customer demand. 

I even named 2 of my children after characters in the film-
Guess which 2. You'll never get the right answer!

        Star Wars and it's director, George Lucas changed how we consume. Yet, despite any draw backs, I wouldn't change a thing about it. 

      Okay- I would change 1 thing...

      HAN SHOT FIRST!

  
     Well, that's my look at 1977 for today. Until next time-

     May the Force Be With You...

1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- day 140

       It's the final curtain tonight for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. So for today's A Madman Turns 40 let's look at what this piece of Americana looked like the year I was born...
  

The Official 1977 Tour Book.
My Aunt Cindy had a copy of this when I was little.
I spent hours reading it...

       One of my cousins was a member of the circus. This is the 1976-1977 line-up (BELOW.) I'm not sure if he was a part of the group at this time or not. But it's a pretty cool picture. 

       In my opinion, the removal of the elephants from the circus was Ringling Bros. final nail in the coffin. America has had such a fascination with the giant beasts. Not having them play a part of it I think cause circus goers to lose interest. 

A trio of friends sharing a cold beverage.

The Legendary animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams with a big cat buddy. I got to see him a couple of times before he retired in 1990.

Animal trainer Meryl Meister and her dancing poodles,
backstage at Madison Square Garden.

Monkeying around...
These guys were still around when I would go to the circus as a kid...

Well, that's a brief look at the Big Top during my birth year. Sadly, it's now the end of an era. Until next time...

Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales: The Underground Abductor (Family Comic Friday)

 )

  Just the other day, the Secretary of the Treasury announced that Harriet Tubman

would be the first woman to grace the $20 bill. In a sure twist of coincidental fate,  

at the same time, I was reading an appropriate graphic novel for my selection 

of this week's Family Comic Friday. The series was the fantastic Nathan Hale's

Hazardous Tales. The subject- an abolitionist named Harriet Tubman.

  Nathan Hale's captors have enjoyed his history lessons. However, the British

General is tired of the United States coming off smelling like roses. So he 

challenges Hale to tell a story of America's greatest shame. In response, 

the patriot prisoner speaks of slavery in the antebellum South.

  The subject of Hale's latest tale is a young slave named Minty. Life has been 

hard for her, forced to work in dank swamps, is beaten by her superiors, and 

constantly in fear of being sold and moved away from her family. To make 

matters worse, Minty is struck with severe narcolepsy after a head injury.

  But Minty's injury turns out to be a blessing in disguise as she gets visions 

during her sleeping spells. One such vision encouraged Minty to flee to the North. 

The trek is fraught with danger as the girl must avoid bounty hunters seeking to 

recapture the runaway slave.

In a symbolic gesture, young Minty changes her name to Harriet as she crosses

over into the North. But this will not be Harriet's last trip to the South. Over the

next few years, Harriet Tubman would venture back and forth over the 

Mason- Dixon line to rescue the family she left behind. But the abolitionist will 

lead more than just her loved ones to freedom along the Underground Railroad.   

Harriet becomes a legend unto herself, with the reputation of never losing an 

escaped slave to sickness or bounty hunters on her numerous trips to freedom.

Harriet is eventually given another nickname, Moses. Like the great Hebrew

leader who lead the Jewish people to freedom from Egyptian enslavement, 

Harriet helps to lead her enslaved people on an exodus to the free North and 

eventually Canada.

Today is a special time as it is the main night of the Passover Seder. I didn't 

plan to read this because of that connection of Tubman to Moses. This all was

coincidence, even with the Treasury announcement, choosing this book. I 

managed to get my hands on 3 new NHHTs at my local library the other day. 

Plus, I am sad to say that much of what I read in this book was first time

knowledge despite years of Black History Month activities commenced in

my schooling. (That's private schools in the South for ya folks!)

  But I learned something new about the NHHTs that I had overlooked. I 

noticed that the art in this book was all shades of purple and that just didn't 

make sense to me. That's until I realized that the book's cover was chosen 

to represent the dark of night in which most of the action of this book takes 

place. I double checked Alamo All-Stars (the last NHHT I had read and 

reviewed) and I was right. That book's cover is yellow and the art in that

volume is tinted all shades of canary to reflect the desert landscape and 

terracotta scenery. This little bit of art knowledge just makes me love this 

book series even more

  I usually don't luck out in reading something so topical unless I plan ahead

weeks in advance. With Mrs. Tubman going to be the newest Star of purses 

and wallets nationwide, now it the best time to read The Underground

Abductor. In my opinion, by doing so, it would so make the history come that 

much more alive. So if you have a little one interested in learning just who is 

that lady is taking Andrew Jackson's place on the 20, you must use this book

as a great resource. It's a fantastic read that shouldn't be overlooked.

Worth Consuming

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Amazing Fantastic Incredible: A Marvelous Memoir

   If I am wrong about this, forgive me- For the first time ever, Stan Lee recounts his 70+ years in the comics industry in graphic novel form. 
  
    It's the way Stan the Man's autobiography was meant to be presented. From his earliest days at Atlas (now Marvel) as a copyboy for Joe Simon and Jack Kirby to surviving the great comics scare of the 1950s to partnering with the King to create the Marvel Universe up to his ubiquitous cameos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe- this epic work has it all.

   Some of these tales I've read before. Maybe not from Stan's mouth but I've heard many of the anecdotes before. But, to have the master's spin put on them, it's really cool. 

   However, the truth must be told, I think Lee does paint himself in a way too positive light. For example, in his numerous battles with Atlas/Marvel owner Martin Goodman, Stan is seen constantly fighting for his zany superhero ideas and bullpen of talent. But like they say 'the history books are written by the victors' and many of Lee's detractors are either no longer without or really bitter...

   Assisting Stan is the great Peter David (The Incredible Hulk) on co-writing duties with Colleen Doran (The Nightmare Factory) on art. Obviously, I can tell what Doran was responsible for but the dialogue and history of comics, I couldn't tell you where Stan Lee ends and Peter David begins. The writing talents are that seamless!
   
Amazing Fantastic Incredible is a work that I've seen many fans of comics have posted about on social media since the graphic novel hit stores in November of last year. Sadly, the reviews for this book have been mixed. Most of the complaints I've seen  have accused Lee of being a revisionist historian (remember what I said about the author and his frequent battles with his publisher earlier?) 

   But I loved this book!  The writing was unparalleled- what do you expect from the combined might of Stan Lee and Peter David?! But don't forget the art! Doran takes every page and has filled them with great easter eggs and original prints, and much more. This book is the ultimate feast for the eyes of any comics fan, be ye solely in the Marvel or DC camps!

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars
  

   

Batman: The War Years (1939-1945)

   This collection of early Batman stories is the first of 3 volumes devoted to the World War II exploits of the DC Trinity. These books are edited by legend Roy Thomas, who also provides his unique take on the source material as a comics insider and devoted historian of the medium. Under Thomas' watch, 'The War Years' is divided into chapters focusing on each phase of the war effort such as life in the United States prior to Pearl Harbor, fifth column espionage, war bonds, and the spoils of war itself, as it pertains to the evolution of the Batman. 

    Most of these stories are pretty crude in regards to the art, dialogue, and plot. But I wouldn't change a single page. During World War II, every American was expected to make sacrifices. With rationing, shortages of able-bodied men drafted into the Armed Forces, and constant fear of an Axis invasion, if a mistake was made in a comic book it was nearly impossible to see it fixed in a timely manner if at all. 

   Comics were considered a vital tool to providing morale, instruction, and patriotism to American's youth and our fighting men, so it was of the utmost importance that publication deadlines were met no matter what. That level of dedication to seeing our world kept free from tyranny allowed me to overlook any and all errors contained within this book.

    This volume contains about 20 stories and numerous covers that highlight the Batman's role in the second world war. As you witness Batman go from a brooding solo act to an optimistic duo with the addition of Robin, and finally merge into an icon of justice, you'll encounter fellow heroes such as Superman, George Washington, and President Roosevelt. Featuring villains such as the Joker and the Scarecrow, the truly evil guest stars of this book are Hitler, Emperor Hirohito and Mussolini and their enemy agents. All this and more comes to you from the deft hands of Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger, and many more artists and writers who helped craft the Dark Knight into the legend he is today.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.
    

A Zombie's History of the United States: From the Massacre at Plymouth Rock to the CIA's Secret War on the Undead by Dr. Worm Miller

    You remember learning about these events in American History Class, right?
* President Thomas Jefferson orders William Clark to assassinate an infected Merriweather Lewis  and to destroy his journals before the explorer was to reach Washington and become a zombie.
* The Mexican Army storms the Alamo to find that all of the Texans inside have been massacred by the walking dead.
* The US Army drafts nearly indestructible zombie-human hybrids to storm the beaches of Normandy.

    A Zombie's History of the United States is an in-depth look at the impact the undead have had in the forming of this country. The book also reveals the conspiracy to not just eradicate the menace from America but to erase the undead from the pages of history books worldwide. Now thanks to Dr. Worm Miller and the University of Minnesota's Zombie Studies Department, the story of the American zombie can finally be told.

   Okay, folks, I'm not delusional. A Zombie's History is a work of fiction and is a parody of history books and conspiracy theories. Last summer, I won a drawing for my local library's adult summer reading program. I got to pick 3 free books as my prize. This book was one of them.

   I'm not crazy about zombies, honestly.  But I can't pass up a good zombie book or comic! Yet, while some would literally die to become a walker, I would not. I constantly tell my wife that if somebody starts ambling to me moaning for brains, I'm going for the head! And I'll ask questions later!

   This book from 2010 was a fun read. I majored in history and my focus was modern American history. So, this was the perfect type of read for me. I enjoyed seeing important episodes of American history being given the zombie treatment. It's one reason I am psyched for next year's 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.'

   Speaking of episodes, while I do not think this book would work as a film, I think it could have some success as a TV series, in the style of Comedy Central's 'Drunk History.' I think it could be a horror comedy mockumentary that a cable channel such as SyFy or IFC should seriously consider obtaining the rights to.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.  

The Spirit: The Origin Years #4

In this issue, Kitchen Sink Press presents 4 stories from the original run of the Spirit. These stories are classic noir, full of hot guns, even hotter dames, and lots of gritty action. Written and drawn by the legendary Will Eisner, these stories are signs of the times they were written in.

African Americans, such as Spirit’s side-kick Ebony, are portrayed as buck-toothed, swollen lipped, and ignorant. The women in these books are either ditzy damsels in distress or cunning femme fatales who get what they want with their feminine whiles and they act like Praying Mantis, eating their mates after they’ve achieved their goals.

This volumes includes a ‘directors cut’ set of notes that go into further detail of the behind the scenes goings on to make the Spirit comics. Will Eisner is often quoted as having said that he regrets the way he portrayed women and minorities. Even though the material in these books wouldn’t fly into today’s comics, they shouldn’t be ignored. As the old adage goes “those who do not learn from history’s mistakes are doomed to repeat it” and by examining the prejudices of yesteryear hopefully we can learn to overcome them.

The most important aspect of these comics that are vitally important is the artwork themselves. Eisner was always crafting unique ways to incorporate the title of the comic into the splash page. He was also looking at different ways to from a panel for heighten drama and symbolism. Without Will Eisner we wouldn’t have Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, or Jim Sternako to name a few.

The stories themselves are entertaining. First up is a patriotic WWII era morality play between two orphans: one who chooses to fool good and one who ends up down the dark path of gang life. Then there’s a rare two-part story involving Orang, an intelligent ape whose biggest flaw is being in love. Finally is a tale that stars Ebony. When a head injury causes him to have x-ray eyes, the Spirit must keep an eye of him after thugs kidnap the youth to break into a bank vault. It’s actually the start of Eisner trying to rectify the stereotypical portrayal of Ebony in the Spirit and proof that people can change for the better.

A fantastic read that is a must for fans of the Spirit or the comics medium.

Worth Consuming

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales: Donner Dinner Party

In this edition of Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales, the patriot cum martyr regales his captors with the gruesome story of the Donner Party. From the beginning of their wagon train in Illinois to meeting up with a trail master in Independence Missouri through the barren salt flats of Utah till their ultimate perilous stop in the wilds of California, every tragic episode is told in horrible detail. There’s murder, death, cannibalism, betrayal, and stupidity- AND it’s all true!

The book is geared for ages 8-12 but the subject matter may actually up the reading level to 11 and up. Once again, many of the references in this book’s bibliography are from adult text books. What gears this book for kids is the silly jokes and goofy nature of some of the characters. For example, the patriarch of the Reed family is shown as a buffoon who likes to name places after himself and sing songs of how he slew a buffalo. The author, whose name actually is Nathan Hale, admits in the afterword to using some poetic license to lighten the tone of this history lesson.

    I love these stories- juvenile or not. There’s looks of facts mixed in with the fictional goofiness and the author is very careful to let readers know at books end what stuff was real and what was fictionalized. There’s another volume due out soon- if not already and I can’t wait for it to come out.

Once again, thank you Orange County (NC) Public Library for carrying another great series of graphic novels that I otherwise would’ve overlooked if you didn’t obtain them for readers like me.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.