Much better than I expected. The first season from the DC Access streaming
channel was rebroadcast on the CW network and I managed to DVR them.
Monday, November 29, 2021
Sunday, November 28, 2021
Book Review: THE ANIMALS IN THAT COUNTRY by Laura Jean McKay
THE ANIMALS IN THAT COUNTRY by Laura Jean McKay (Scribe UK, June 2020) Trade paperback, 288 pages. ISBN # 191285452X / 9781912854523
Summary on the Goodreads website . . . . .
Out on the road, no one speaks, everything talks.
Winner of The Arthur C Clarke Award, the Victorian Prize for Literature, the ABIA Small Press Adult Book of the Year and the Aurealis Best Science Fiction Book (co-win).
Hard-drinking, foul-mouthed, and allergic to bullshit, Jean is not your usual grandma. She’s never been good at getting on with other humans, apart from her beloved granddaughter, Kimberly. Instead, she surrounds herself with animals, working as a guide in an outback wildlife park. And although Jean talks to all her charges, she has a particular soft spot for a young dingo called Sue.
As disturbing news arrives of a pandemic sweeping the country, Jean realizes this is no ordinary flu: its chief symptom is that its’ victims begin to understand the language of animals — first mammals, then birds and insects, too. As the flu progresses, the unstoppable voices become overwhelming, and many people begin to lose their minds, including Jean’s infected son, Lee. When he takes off with Kimberly, heading south, Jean feels the pull to follow her kin.
Setting off on their trail, with Sue the dingo riding shotgun, they find themselves in a stark, strange world in which the animal apocalypse has only further isolated people from other species. Bold, exhilarating, and wholly original, The Animals in That Country asks what would happen if - for better or worse - we finally understood what animals were saying.
My Three-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .
I would prefer to rate this novel 3.5 stars, but Goodreads has yet to provide a way for fractional ratings. THE ANIMALS IN THAT COUNTRY was impressive is so many ways, and was headed to a 4 Star or higher rating from me - - if not for the ending.
SPOILER ALERT: Some reviews call it anti-climatic. I can't quite agree with that. The ending does have a definite sense of finality, kind of an unending spiral that it wasn't necessary for the author to become repetitive. That leaves it open to interpretation. Unfortunately, the ending didn't satisfy me. It actually depresses me. I won't go into detail why as that would spoil it even further. I think this book needs and deserves a broader audience. END SPOILER ALERT.
Prepare to be challenged. You'll have to put a bit of effort and thought into comprehending the animal language.
Why should the language of animals mimic the way humans speak? Laura Jean McKay understands this, that there are limits to language, and even if animals could speak we might not understand them. Why would they process information the same way that we do? McKay writes about her animals also communicating through body language and even body odors, and hints that humans may be processing animal thoughts and language through several senses, not just hearing. I especially appreciate that the animals in this novel refer to humans not by name or gender but by "it", in much the same way that our species dehumanizes animals by calling them "it". A neat reversal here.
In another creative touch, humans exposed to the "zoo flu" often go mad as they are able to hear all these animals, who don't take turns speaking but emote all at once in a cacophony of sensory information. That side effect is most likely even more responsible for the state of anarchy and confusion the world finds itself in, even more so that the flu symptoms of the virus.
Protagonist grandmother Jean has done so many things wrong throughout her life, and has so many issues that it might seem hard to care for this character, but somehow I found myself empathizing with her situation and rooting her on. Credit the skills of the writer for having that effect on me.
I can't imagine how McKay will follow up a novel as creative, darkly funny, and thought-provoking as this but I welcome a new future opportunity to find out.
Saturday, November 27, 2021
SONYA DEVEREAUX Rubs Shoulders With Hollywood Celebs
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Thursday, November 25, 2021
ETERNAL WARRIOR: SCORCHED EARTH Graphic Novel Now On Kickstarter
From the official Valiant Entertainment Press Release
Valiant’s First Original Graphic Novel ETERNAL WARRIOR: SCORCHED EARTH Introduces
an All-New Threat into the Valiant Universe!
November 24th, 2021 — The Valiant Universe is set to face the terrifying flames of an all-new villain in ETERNAL WARRIOR: SCORCHED EARTH, live now on Kickstarter until December 2nd.
A hero is only as heroic as their greatest villain, and Gilad Anni-Padda has lived, died and lived again through almost every threat imaginable as the ETERNAL WARRIOR. Nothing could prepare him for RAZE, though.
Born of lava and hellish flame, the ancient fire deity Raze is an uncontrollable threat to Mother Earth, causing massive destruction and leaving only death in his wake.
Raze Concept Art - Not Final
Centuries ago, Mount Vesuvius tragically erupted and created mass devastation, laying waste to the great city of Pompeii and killing thousands. Gilad knew this to be the work of an ancient fire deity and stepped in as the Fist and Steel of Earth to imprison Raze for good.
Or so he thought…
Raze Concept Art - Not Final
As mysterious fires begin causing havoc all over the world, this generation’s GEOMANCER, Tama, tries to live up to her responsibilities of defending Earth while Gilad ventures off to confront his past. But they will soon discover they need each other now more than ever.
With Raze potentially freed of his imprisonment on a new path of annihilation, only the ETERNAL WARRIOR and GEOMANCER can hope to stand in his way to prevent his infernal flames from scorching the Earth.
Raze Design Concept Art - Not Final
ETERNAL WARRIOR: SCORCHED EARTH is written by Tres Dean with art by Alberto Taracido, colors by Rain Beredo and letters by Tom Napolitano. With exciting stretch goals already unlocked for every backer like additional process pages at the end of the book and digital copies of ETERNAL WARRIOR Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 (2014), this is a campaign you don’t want to miss out on.
Be sure to back Valiant’s debut Kickstarter and first original graphic novel ETERNAL WARRIOR: SCORCHED EARTH today before the campaign ends on December 2nd to discover the Valiant Universe’s newest terrifying villain, Raze!
Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings | Official Tra...
A possible elevator pitch for this one: a Jackie Chan film stuck inside a
Doctor Strange film.
I finally saw this, at home on Disney+. Great film, lots of fun. Incredible fight
scenes. I thought the first half (in the real world) moved faster than the second
half (in the mystical land). The script ties in Shang-Chi to the Marvel Cinematic
Universe, links him to the true Mandarin and establishes his background.
A lot gets accomplished in-between the fast-paced action. A good cast
with lots of promise from the new actors. This one exceeded my expectations.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Thanks to AfterShock Ambassador JOE CROHN ("Chicago's Own") for the image . . . . . .
Sunday, November 21, 2021
BLACK FRIDAY AfterShock/Comics Event at 4TH WALL COMICS Lancaster
Your local AfterShock Ambassador (Mike Clarke, who bears a distinct resemblance to me) will be guest at 4TH WALL COMICS in the Manor Shopping Center at 1224 Millersville Pike, Lancaster PA 17603 (717-208-3524) on Friday, November 26.
Co-owners Jeff and Jim Mathison, along with Pat Spece, were kind enough to provide a table and space to meet and greet their customers and spread the good work about reading dangerously from AfterShock Comics.
All AfterShock single issue comics and trade paperbacks are also 20% off.
AfterShock are providing a wide variety of FREE COMICS to distribute . . . . .
- Purchase an AfterShock comic on Black Friday and get a FREE COMIC.
- Purchase an AfterShock trade paperback on Black Friday and get a FREE AMBASSADOR EXCLUSIVE VARIANT COVER.
- Subscribe to an upcoming AfterShock title and get FREE COMICS.
- Sign up for RUMBLINGS, the AfterShock email newsletter and get a FREE COMIC.
New and exciting FEATURED TITLES:
CHICKEN DEVIL #1 The Punisher meets Colonel Sanders
But maybe the CHICKEN DEVIL can…
Writer Brian Buccellato (Detective Comics, The Flash, Witchblade) and artist Hayden Sherman (COLD WAR, MARY SHELLEY MONSTER HUNTER) serve up a darkly comedic crime drama that’s juicy, tender and finger-lickin’ hilarious.
CROSS TO BEAR #1 Jack the Ripper in the Wild West
Jack the Ripper was never caught because no one was looking for him in the Wild West…No one except The Order. An organization made up of the descendants of Crusaders sworn to eradicate the unnatural, The Order will stop at nothing to fulfill the pledge their forefathers made, even if it means crossing the ocean or a line or two…
The old world meets the old west in a taut tale of relentless pursuit and elusive justice. Written by Marko Stojanović and illustrated by Siniša Banović, with colors from Dorde Krajinović and Aljoša Tomić, and letters by Taylor Esposito.
MY DATE WITH MONSTERS #1 Dating Apps Can Be Monstrous
Which is how Risa Harumi finds herself not only fighting monsters, but forced into finding true love. Monsters and modern dating? It feels like a nightmare either way, and the only help Risa has is a friendly-ish monster named Croak and her pre-teen daughter, Machi.
From Paul Tobin (BUNNY MASK) and Andy MacDonald (I BREATHED A BODY, Multiple Man), comes a unique story of one woman’s quest to save the world, if only she could learn the difference between love and monsters.
PGHHEAD'S 2021 COMICS ODYSSEY, Part Thirty-Six
In 2021 I’d like to cross over the 1,000 comics review barrier, meaning reviews that I (Mike Clarke a.k.a. pghhead) contribute to the blog. That’s what this odyssey is about, beginning January 01, 2021. Wish me luck. . . .
# GOAL FOR NOVEMBER 20 . . . 889 comics documented
CURRENT COUNT . . . . . 887 comics documented
As before the stories reveal the rigid moralistic code of the samurai, sometimes at odds with what seems to be the right thing to do. And, of course there are wandering samurai and other renegades who violate the principles. The art is subtle at times, and very blunt at others. Many text-free panels help to shape the atmosphere. I can easily see why so many artists and creators point to these stories as a major influence.
In Issue #27 a vengeful widow battles Lone Wolf while his son Daigoro’s life is in danger on a frigid lake. In #28 a wandering samurai, tormented by his past, seeks a knowledge that has long eluded him and comes finally in his final moments with Lone Wolf and Cub. The young doctor in Issue #30 hiding a truly evil plan behind his cloak of kindness almost pulls the blinders over Lone Wolf. In #34, Daigoro is separated from his father once again, is taken in by a family of fisherman and welcomed until a local priestess pronounces him cursed. In #44 a veteran policeman tries to foil an assassination by Lone Wolf and bring him to justice. Great reading here. FIVE STARS.
#868 MY DATE WITH MONSTERS #1 (AfterShock, release date November 10, 2021)
I just finished reading my Ambassador copy and wanted to give you a quick heads-up to look out for this book.
It’s a witty mix of several genres: horror, fantasy and romance that has just the right amount of humor to make it work. It deserves a better write-up when I have a bit more time. I also need to read it again to take it all in.
I’m really impressed with the writing of Paul Tobin. I love these characters. FIVE STARS.
That latter impulse has resulted in my picking up some premium quality work and an equal share of below-average quality work. CHILLING ADVENTURES IN SORCERY falls right in the middle, not great but just a little bit good. The problem is not with the art. The endings are twisty like the average Twilight-Zone story, but also either too abrupt or actually silly.
“Midnight Snack” featuring Jughead in an eating contest by Amy Chu and Derek Charm is my favorite of the stories here, but it’s also the one with the silly ending that left me disappointed.
Archie plays night watchman at a popular Riverside arcade who suspects eerie nocturnal activity in “Living on, Part Time” by Evan Stanley. It’s an interesting premise, especially when Archie realizes how he’s become entrapped in a game, but it ends too immediately.
Madam Satan is the host here, and her story (“A Walk Through Hell” by Eliot Rahal and Vincenzo Federici) is interspersed throughout the introductions resulting in a choppy mess that doesn’t allow the reader to get engaged before it jumps away to the next story. Archie plays a role in this one as well, already dead and recruited as a fill-in for Charon on a bumpy River Styx journey to Hell. Madam Satan has a goal in mind, achieves it, and then acts surprised when she realizes where she is. Obvious to us, maybe not to her.
The final story is a quick, one-pager from Pat & Tim Kennedy (“Jughead’s Demonic Dipsy Doodle”) that wouldn’t be out of place in the Halloween issue of MAD magazine.
For a less than satisfactory comic, I sure used a lot of words and time up describing it, didn’t I? Yeah, I like horror comics anthologies enough that I always feel inclined to support them in some way. If you’re on the same page, you might as well pick this one up too. TWO AND THREE-QUARTER STARS.
#870 - #875 KING IN BLACK: BLACK KNIGHT one-shot (Marvel, April 2021) and BLACK KNIGHT: CURSE OF THE EBONY BLADE #1 -#5 (Marvel, May-September 2021) The art and coloring really pop, which grabbed my attention and motivated me to pick these up on impulse. Sergio Davila and Arif Prianto make a great art team. I'm intrigued by Simon Spurrier's story but not quite sure about it, due to inconsistency.
While this was an interesting and mostly entertaining update on one of Marvel's under-utilized characters (in my opinion), it wasn't entirely satisfying. Writer Simon Spurrier depicts Black Knight/Dane Whitman as an insecure loser-type with self-esteem issues that he tries to cover by speaking like a medieval knight and bragging obnoxiously. As the story moves forward, Spurrier seems to discard some of those behaviors and focus on the loser aspects of Whitman's personality. Before the series concludes he is upstaged by two strong female characters, Elsa Bloodstone and art student Jacks.
The art kept me engaged throughout as well as the side stories involving the original Black Knight (who once fought Thor, also detailed here) Merlin, the history of the Ebony Blade. What would this be without a wicked villain, here in the presence of Modred. The story advances the Black Knight to the next level, with hints at more involvement in the Marvel Universe to come. It might be difficult for a new writer to pick up all the threads that Spurrier planted and continue. I'm guessing they will probably drop some of the mental aspects of the character. We'll see. THREE STARS.
Yes to all of those, but really it’s because the storyline by Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly has me thoroughly engaged and engrossed in a Marvel title for the first time in decades! If all the Marvel books were this good instead of being consistently mundane then I would be reading more Marvel. FIVE STARS.
#877 - #886 UNDER-EARTH graphic novel by Chris Gooch (Top Shelf Productions, November 2020) Don't be intimidated by the size of this thick (580 pages) graphic novel by a promising indie creator from Australia. The art style is simplistic yet inventive, and the story is very fluid with sparse dialogue and never more than six panels per page. It didn't take long to pull me into the story and I finished it across two days. A full review appears on this blog for November 20. FOUR STARS.
This 26-page comic comes at an affordable price ($2.99) and contains one all-new opening story plus four reprints, all with Christmas themes. These are warm, light-hearted funny stories with eye-appealing art and colors.
Archie & friends have to help Santa deliver presents on Christmas Eve when the usual reindeers and North Pole staff eat some cheap candy canes past their expiration date. Archie’s hiding place for the gifts for Riverdale High School’s Christmas party turns out to be a bad choice. A yard decorating contest gets ultra-competitive between neighbors. Archie struggles to find an affordable gift from Veronica’s ever-changing wish list.
Jughead’s dog (Hot Dog) has a way of getting his point across when Betty is stumped for creative Christmas gifts.
A very pleasant break from reality, this holiday side trip to Riverdale. Happy Thanksgiving to all! FOUR STARS.
G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero SATURDAY MORNING ADVENTURES
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Everyone knows that G.I. JOE is the code name for America's daring, highly trained special mission force, and that their purpose is to defend human freedom against Cobra, a ruthless criminal organization determined to rule the world. But now, Cobra has launched the Aladdin Initiative, their most versatile weapon yet... challenging Duke, Scarlett, Snake Eyes, and the G.I. JOE team like never before!
“So many times, we fondly remember our past favorites from the world of pop culture through a skewed nostalgic lens, only to find disappointment when we revisit them… but in the case of G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero, the loyal fandom is still very active, the classic comics and cartoons still hold up, and the only skewed lens is Dr. Mindbender’s patented monocle,” says editor Tom Waltz. “The superstar creative team of Erik, Dan, and Luis are here to bring us a brand-new adventure that reminds us of why G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero is the exception to the nostalgia rule!”Saturday, November 20, 2021
Book Review: IQ by Joe Ide
IQ by Joe Ide (Mulholland Books, October 2016) Trade paperback, 352 pages. ISBN #0316267732 / 9780316267731 Winner of Anthony Award for Best First Novel, Shamus Award for Best First P.I. Novel, and nominated for Barry Award for Best First Novel + Edgar Award for Best First Novel by an American Author.
Summary on the Goodreads website . . . . .
East Long Beach. The LAPD is barely keeping up with the neighborhood's high crime rate. Murders go unsolved, lost children unrecovered. But someone from the neighborhood has taken it upon himself to help solve the cases the police can't or won't touch.
They call him IQ. He's a loner and a high school dropout, his unassuming nature disguising a relentless determination and a fierce intelligence. He charges his clients whatever they can afford, which might be a set of tires or a homemade casserole. To get by, he's forced to take on clients that can pay.
This time, it's a rap mogul whose life is in danger. As Isaiah investigates, he encounters a vengeful ex-wife, a crew of notorious cutthroats, a monstrous attack dog, and a hit man who even other hit men say is a lunatic. The deeper Isaiah digs, the more far reaching and dangerous the case becomes.
My Five-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .
Absolutely first-rate and deserving of the awards that it earned. Original. Street smart. Clever. Engrossing.
To classify main character Isaiah Quintabe (a.k.a. IQ) simply as a detective is a bit misleading. He's an astute investigator with serious perception and applied knowledge skills that enables him to solve puzzles/mysteries and help the community at the same time.
Once readers get a grasp of what he's all about, it'll be a love affair with this young man on a mission to make amends for past errors and give back to his community in many ways.
Joe Ide displays his masterful skill at character development here, and tells a street-level crime story of a rap artist following an attempt on his life. The music business, success and the limelight are juxtaposed against the backdrop of the lower-income level, feast or famine lifestyle of IQ and friend/accomplice Dodson.
There are two stories being related here, in alternating chapters occurring in 2013 (main story) and 2005 (back story). Both are page-turners, and shed light on IQ's early days and the development of his skills along with the current storyline that clearly defines his current mindset and mission.
Along with the thrills are comedic moments and heart-warming scenes - - all with a little social commentary in the mix. Recommended.
Graphic Novel Review: UNDER-EARTH by Chris Gooch
UNDER-EARTH by Chris Gooch (Top Shelf Productions, NOvember 2020) Paperback, 560 pages. ISBN # 1603094776 / 9781603094771 Winner of the 2020 Aurealis Award for Best Graphic Novel / Illustrated Work
Summary on the Goodreads website . . . . .
Under-Earth takes place in a subterranean landfill, hollowed out to serve as a massive improvised prison. Sunken into the trash and debris of the past—GameBoys, iPhones, coffee cups, old cars—we follow two parallel stories.
Equal parts sincerity and violence, Under-Earth explores humanity's inextinguishable drive to find meaning, connection, and even family—and how fragile such constructions can be.
My Four-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .
Don’t be intimidated by the size of this thick (580 pages) graphic novel by a promising indie creator from Australia. The art style is simplistic yet inventive, and the story is very fluid with sparse dialogue and never more than six panels per page. It didn't take long to pull me into the story and I finished it across two days.
The dystopian society of prisoners inhabiting a deep underground landfill that has been repurposed with streets and run-down buildings have no hope of ever escaping. The entry point is miles above them, where new inmates are lowered into this giant hollowed-out cell by helicopter.
The entire prison populace (except for the armed enforcement officers) have to pay for everything in their meager existence - - food, shelter, clothing and even entertainment (only card-playing, gambling, and betting on gladiator-like fights run by a corrupt and greedy warden). They earn dollars by scrounging through the giant landfill to salvage usable parts and items and then barter for money.
Writer/artist Chris Gooch leads us through this oppressive landscape by following two parallel stories. A new arrival, big and muscular yet quiet, is thrown into the gladiatorial games as a reluctant combatant and becomes the warden's favorite (although it earns him very few favors). He befriends another man and connects through a found beat-up novel (a diary by an unknown prisoner). The brutal environment, full of everyday violence, hard physical labor, and poverty challenges their stressful relationship which is tested one final time.
The other story centers on two female inmates in a relationship (the only females identified as such in the novel) with breaking-and-entering skills that become employed by a unreliable administrator who promises them a useless schematic of the prison to nurture their hopes of escape.
Both of these relationships are brought to a head in the final chapters, although the ending is anticlimactic, perhaps indicative of the hopelessness of this world/existence. I wasn't disappointed, although I would have appreciated a more positive resolution. Gooch employs just four colors in his art to get effect, with the occasional red helping to emphasize the violence.
I'm glad that Top Shelf brought this work to U.S. shores. Gooch has two other graphic novels, which I may seek out.
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Monday, November 15, 2021
THE SYNTHETICS, Tales Of Robot Life
EDITOR'S NOTE: I previously purchased their MARTIANS collection and recommend this to fans of quality science fiction, free of the usual commercial trappings.
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The Kickstarter campaign for our newest trade paperback, The Synthetics Vol. 1, along with three other collected editions, has just three days left, and right now, it's got a ways left to go. The Synthetics Vol. 1 is a 144-page book features nine bizarre stories of robot life, in which we see how different robots' lives intersected with a robot revolt on Mars.  The comic is written by Julian Darius and illustrated by Steven Legge (Necropolitan) with Cloves Rodrigues and Andre Siregar (Kimot Ren, The Lost Fleet). It's colored by Donovan Yaciuk, Steven Legge, Fahriza Kamaputra, and Peter Dawes. It's lettered by Darius and Legge, with a cover by Jason Muhr and Andrei Tabacaru (By the Horns, Voracious). Just as a reminder, if we don't make our goal, you won't be charged and rewards won't be sent. So if you feel inclined to pledge or to share the campaign, now's the time! Thank you for your support. It means more than we can express. |
Everything You Need To Know About STEEL CITY CON December 10-12
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