"The Flash Annual, #7 (The Barry Allen Story)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

It’s always great to see Barry Allen back- even if it is an alternate timeline version of him. Apparently no matter which universe he’s in- he’s destined to- oops well, I’ve said too much. (SPOILERALERT!)

The story starts off slow- but it really has a nice finish and is worth a lot of the “Memento”-isque beginning mumbo-jumbo. Great story for any Flash or Elseworld fan’s collection.

Batman: The Dailies 1943-1946"

WORTH CONSUMING!

The art is sloppy, the plots buffoonish, the criminals stereotypical- but for the price of a current Marvel color trade paperback (just 6 issues for $24.99)- you get the entire 1940s run of Batman’s daily comic strips (3 volumes in one) for the same price. And currently, Barnes and Noble has this on Clearance at many locations. And with Gas prices and everything else the way they are- this is a very wise and buy and that makes this volume (flaws and all) worth consuming.

Also- read each volumes introduction after you read the scripts- many times a spoiler is talked about and that can ruin the fun of the stories.

"Moon: The Life and Death of a Rock Legend"

WORTH CONSUMING!

This is a book that will make you laugh, cry, and cry some more. The blatant self-destruction of the greatest rock drummer of all-time is a lot to take at times. One can only witness so much pain, agony, and sadness without needed a moment to catch their breath. So I found myself- like many who’ve partied around the icon, taking frequent breaks away from Keith Moon and then reading a 200 page binge into the dark spiral of the drummer’s tortured soul.

The material inside this tome is brutal stuff and enough to make one see Moon in a less favorable sight and yet still defend to the death how vital hi presence was to the WHO.

Worth Consuming- but be prepared to need to take a break from it at times.

“Don’t Know Much About Mythology”

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

For years, I felt guilty that I’ve never finished Davis’ Don’t Know Much About History. After read DKMA: Mythology- I no longer feel guilty and I no longer want to own, read, and consider any further works of Kenneth Davis.

"Dexter in the Dark: A Novel"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Now, I had just cheered someone who hated the whole Molok theme of this book. And I still stand by that cheer. To introduce a new narrator in a series like this does detract somewhat from the essence of what Dexter is all about.

But, I really love the exploration of what makes Dexter tick and the crimes and clues in the book make sense. And Dexter’s friendship with Vince has some real buddy moments that remind me of Lethal Weapon- if Lethal Weapon was made by the E! network.

The role of Dexter’s soon to be step-kids has some really classic moments involving Sgt. Debbie- but some things like the kidnapping gets a real Disney-like ending. I just don’t think that could really happen in real life.

Out of the 3 books (so far…) this is the least of the bunch. But, Dexter is such a great character- I just couldn’t put it down. So, I give it a worth consuming!

"Essential Fantastic Four, Vol. 5 (Marvel Essentials)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

The 70’s have a reputation for being a lean time for great comic book story telling- but I must disagree- and this book is proof of that.

The art of Kirby just keeps getting better, Stan Lee’s stories get better (and less sappy), and what’s more- the rotating membership of the FF actually works. And had I read this before the Civil War tear up of the Baxter Building’s favorite residents, I might not have been calling so much for Joe Quesada’s head.

"Dearly Devoted Dexter: Dexter Morgan"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Better than the 1st book… I love how Dexter ends up becoming more “normal” no matter how hard he tries not to. The MO of Dr. Danco is inspired and very clever. Dexter is the greatest literary character to come out of the past 5 years. Thus, Jeff Lindsay is one of the greatest writers of the 21st century.

I cannot wait for book 3!