William Loveday Intention 3 of 3
Sunday, July 31, 2022
The Baptiser
Well traveled musician Billy Childish a.k.a. WILLIAM LOVEDAY INTENTION
puts on his Bob Dylan hat on this album . . . . . . .
PGHHEAD'S 2022 COMICS ODYSSEY, Part Thirty
PGHHEAD’S 2022 COMIC ODYSSEY, PART 30
In 2021 I set a goal to post reviews here for 1,000 comics, and finished the year at 1,008 reviews. It was a stretch - - not to read that many comics, because I actually read quite a bit more. The challenge is to find and take the time to write a fair review of what I read - - but I made it. I’m up for a new year, and a new challenge. My goal for 2022 is to read and document 1,200 comics. That’s an average of 100 books per month, easy enough to check and update. Wish me luck!
# GOAL FOR July 31, 2022 . . . 700 comics documented
CURRENT COUNT . . . . . 703 comics documented
#672 S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 by Mark Waid and Carlos Pacheco (Marvel, February 2015) Mark Waid’s story brought back fond memories of some of the better moments of the television series. I like the way he treats the characters of Phil Coulson’s team and how they interact.
This is a big spotlight issue on leader Coulson, and Waid does him right. He’s a intuitive leader who seems to know the right moves to make, but it’s not all mind games. Waid shows Coulson from early age through higher education as a note-taker, studiously studying the Marvel heroes and noting their strengths and weaknesses. So, when the Bifrost Bridge collapses and Heimdall and other Asgardians crash to earth, he know exactly who to call to prevent a powerful sword from falling into the wrong hands. A fun read. Well-paced. Good art. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
S.H.I.E.L.D. establishes the S.T.A.K.E. Division to help defend the world from supernatural threats. An LMD of Dum Dum Dugan is the leader, and the team includes Hit Monkey, Teen Abomination, Manphibian, Vampire By Night, Orrgo, Man-Thing, and a Zombie Jasper Sitwell.
They put down an outbreak aboard the S.S. Chaney in the Atlantic Ocean, where crew members have mysteriously turned into monsters. They succeed but kind of flub their first mission, which was supposed to be a recovery effort. There’s a running gag with zombie Sitwell always pointing his weapon at the wrong targets. The art is eye-appealing. Silly bit of fun, though. THREE STARS.
The tiny robotic androids (Gremlin-sized) escape from a government facility and find their way into a family's home on Christmas Eve. The family dog is the first to catch onto their presence, followed by the young children and lastly, the parents (of course). Meanwhile the little robots disarm every mechanical/electronic/tech device in the home and start building their own robotic defenders for the day when the government learns of their location (which they do).
The ending is satisfactory, but kind of a cliff-hanger perhaps leading into a second volume sometime in the future. I found the book to be very cute and heart-warming in the initial issues, but my interest level dropped off as it moved forward. For much younger readers (of which I am not). THREE STARS.
I was first introduced to Dagnino via his art work on Titan's BLADE RUNNER series. Here he both writes and illustrates in grey tones an original story that owes a debt to both BLADE RUNNER, THE MATRIX and other films of a similar nature. If one reads any science-fiction, this story of an android becoming self-aware and trying to discover, release and understand their underlying humanity is a familiar one.
Yuki a.k.a. Scrappy is a "Smart Girl", an android servant/bodyguard/security/sex toy for her owner, tech giant Hiro Tonazzi. She begins to malfunction, and Hiro impatiently replaces her with a newer model, intending to discard and destroy Yuki. She takes a stand against the abuse and escapes to be hunted by her creators. Anti-android sentiment is running throughout the city, but while the protests are featured the story never focuses on the reasons why.
Sometimes some very excellent illustrators decide to write as well, taking complete control over their work. While it has worked exceedingly well for some (Timothy Truman and John Byrne come to mind) -- some artists should just stick to what they do best. This story is all over the place and hard to follow, just as THE MATRIX film series became bogged down in it's own pseudo-science premise.
Like a below average B-movie that you keep watching and hoping it will eventually get better, I slogged through this graphic novel (equivalent to approximately ten individual comics) hoping it would start to make sense - - which it did but only a little bit. Murky and confusing, and not entertaining. But the art was excellent. THREE STARS.
Issue #1 is an amazing standalone tale that introduces Joseph Coates, the 70-year old sheriff of the desert-like and small-town area of Ambrose County, Texas. Coates has some amusing idiosyncrasies to go along with the casual neighborly way he handles his job. He's feeling his years, and begins to doubt his abilities to continue doing his job properly. A great introductory issue.
Things really kick off in the remaining five issues of the first story arc, as Randy Terrill returns to Ambrose County after his brother dies, where he learns in a conversation with Sheriff Coates that a murder investigation is underway. Randy's sordid past comes back to haunt him, and he decides to stay and investigate on his own, a dangerous path that brings back past memories and regrets and puts him on a downward spiral.
The text commentary by writer Chris Condon really nails the meaning of several of these scenes, kind of symbolic and poetic at the same time. Makes you wonder if the main character of this book is Coates, Randy, or the state of Texas itself. It's that Texas blood, quite the influence. I believe Sheriff Coates returns for Volume Two, so that may be the answer. FIVE STARS.
A moody, atmospheric chiller with a noir feel. A serial killer in 1949 evades detection until homicide detective Drake Harper uncovers a vital clue and pursues it, despite a broken marriage, a nervous breakdown, and doubts about his own self-worth.
The art and colors are engaging and different enough to hold the readers attention while the story builds suspense and dread as it moves along. David Hollenbach's art style reminds me of early Ben Templesmith, featuring similar strengths and weaknesses. Among the moments of brilliance are panels too murky and sketchy to leave a clear impression of what's actually occurring on the page.
There's a small flub in the interior pages which pulled me right out of the story. However, it's minor enough that I was able to resume reading and still enjoy the story. There's a scene with a neon sign in a bar window that says "Lite Beer" along with the familiar Miller logo. Problem is that brew was not introduced to market until 1972. FOUR STARS.
The first issue is absolutely brilliant and very funny. In the back content, Russell explains "so I wanted to write a futuristic dystopia that was intentionally about something happening to people right now, but set is such a way that people who were not experiencing it, maybe even its perpetrators, would identify with the victims. Writing, when done right, is an exercise in forced empathy . . . so I started writing a story about robots as a metaphor for toxic masculinity."
A noble goal, and I do believe he pulled it off (at least in the early issues). In NOT ALL ROBOTS humans are forced to live in fear of the robots in their lives, who have all the jobs and all the money. In this world, robots are the sole source of support for human families. Russell's work is also a keen and humorous look at consumerism, corporate greed, haves and have nots, the one percent with all the money and power, profits before safety, marketing schemes, and so much more.
Mike Deodato Jr's art style is well suited to the storyline. Maybe it's the futuristic robotic themes but his illustrations seem just a little different to me here, and recall the best works of Wally Wood for EC Comics science-fiction stories.
Issues #2 and #3 maintain the atmosphere, humorous bent, and satiric symbolism established in the first issue. However, somewhere within Issue 4 the jokes begin to disappear and the story turns a bit more serious. Issue 5 reads like a survival story out of THE WALKING DEAD. Just substitute robots and vicious gangs for the zombies and vicious gangs from that series. The change in tone was enough to pull me out of the story and change this rating from Five Stars To Four Stars. FOUR STARS.
Saturday, July 30, 2022
The Empty Man | Official Trailer | 20th Century Studios
THE EMPTY MAN on HBO: A horror film with genuine chills, disturbing
and creepy. A mystery/suspense thriller with some wild ideas and concepts
related to spiritual and religious cults. Good acting, with a great script
based on the graphic novel by Cullen Bunn. FOUR STARS.
Cannibal Holocaust Trailer
CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST on Shudder TV streaming service: One of the
most controversial horror films made, banned and censored in several countries.
The director was briefly jailed, as the judge believed the murders in the film
were real.. This is a nasty movie.
What made it palatable for me was the commentary by Joe Bob Briggs,
noted horror film/pop culture aficionado who provided a lot of background
and details about the film. Briggs would break in after key moments in the
film. If I had been watching this straight through, I probably would have
stopped after twenty minutes.
Of note, it is most likely the very first usage of alleged "found footage" in
a horror film. predating THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT by decades. No
actual cannibals were featured. The director employed locals who dressed
for the part. Despite the fake killings and mutilations, there are several scenes
of real animals being slaughtered (disturbing to watch) and way too many rape
scenes.
I can't see a film like this being made today. TWO AND ONE-HALF STARS.
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Book Review: EVERY CLOAK ROLLED IN BLOOD by James Lee Burke
EVERY CLOAK ROLLED IN BLOOD by James Lee Burke (Simon & Schuster, May 2022) Hardcover, 288 pages. Holland Family Saga #4. ISBN # 1982196599 / 978198196592
Summary on the Goodreads webpage . . . . .
In his most autobiographical novel to date, James Lee Burke continues the epic Holland family saga with a writer grieving the death of his daughter while battling earthly and supernatural outlaws.
Novelist Aaron Holland Broussard is shattered when his daughter Fannie Mae dies suddenly. As he tries to honor her memory by saving two young men from a life of crime amid their opioid-ravaged community, he is drawn into a network of villainy that includes a violent former Klansman, a far-from-holy minister, a biker club posing as evangelicals, and a murderer who has been hiding in plain sight.
Aaron’s only ally is state police officer Ruby Spotted Horse, a no-nonsense woman who harbors some powerful secrets in her cellar. Despite the air of mystery surrounding her, Ruby is the only one Aaron can trust. That is, until the ghost of Fannie Mae shows up, guiding her father through a tangled web of the present and past and helping him vanquish his foes from both this world and the next.
Drawn from James Lee Burke’s own life experiences, Every Cloak Rolled in Blood is a devastating exploration of the nature of good and evil and a deeply moving story about the power of love and family.
My Five-Star Review On The Goodreads website . . . . .
Everyone needs to read something from James Lee Burke. It's all good, never disappointing. You could start anywhere, it doesn't have to be here. Even though this is labeled as #4 in the Holland Family Saga - - those novels are all linked, but each can be read as a separate novel without prior knowledge of the others and thoroughly enjoyed.
I'm not sure if this is Burke's best book, but it's definitely the best one that I have read (and I have many more to go). While the setting is fictional, this sure feels personal - - which may be attributed to how skillful a writer Burke is as well as the semi-autobiographical nature mentioned in the inset cover copy.
EVERY CLOAK ROLLED IN BLOOD defies categorization as it overlaps several genres. Supernatural themes play a big part in the story, and the way this ended could not have realistically occurred without them. The main protagonist and narrator is an eighty-year old author, and no matter how much physicality he can endure some of these scenes would require a super-elongated stretch of the imagination.
As with everything I've read by Burke the pages drip with emotion. Some of the sentences and passages read like poetry. The opening chapters each contained several descriptive comparisons that I had to stop and marvel at them before reading further.
Sunday, July 24, 2022
Johnny Marr - Spirit Power and Soul (Official Video)
2022 Music: JOHNNY MARR, from the "Fever Dreams Pts. 1-4" album
PGHHEAD'S 2022 COMICS ODYSSEY, Part Twenty-Nine
PGHHEAD’S 2022 COMIC ODYSSEY, PART 29
In 2021 I set a goal to post reviews here for 1,000 comics, and finished the year at 1,008 reviews. It was a stretch - - not to read that many comics, because I actually read quite a bit more. The challenge is to find and take the time to write a fair review of what I read - - but I made it. I’m up for a new year, and a new challenge. My goal for 2022 is to read and document 1,200 comics. That’s an average of 100 books per month, easy enough to check and update. Wish me luck!
# GOAL FOR July 30, 2022 . . . 700 comics documented
CURRENT COUNT . . . . . 671 comics documented
DAMNED CURSED CHILDREN starts out exactly like that, as if we just walked into the movie twenty minutes after it began. However, it's harder to maintain that pace in a comic compared to film. Give the creative team credit - - they certainly tried. But, after five issues of chase and evasion, escape and flight, chase and evasion, escape and flight, on and on - - it gets to be a bit much.
As much as we learn about the group of characters thrown together by circumstances, it's difficult to empathize with any of them- especially since a few are real shits. Naturally, they don't all make it to the last page. There is a resolution of sorts, as the remaining survivors hear a bit of news on the car radio. But it's too vague.
I would have liked some explanation. Why are only children affected? What caused this? Instead we get five issues of chase and evasion. The saving grace is the intriguing black-and-white art, which recalls the glory days of EC Comics, Creepy and Eerie magazines. Worth a look, but don't expect too much. Pure escapist entertainment. THREE STARS.
#649 - #656 MARJORIE FINNEGAN, TEMPORAL CRIMINAL trade paperback by Garth Ennis and Goran Sudzuka (AWA/Upshot, 2021)
Garth Ennis writes a science-fiction humor book, and it works incredibly well! I thought his well-known satirical bent, cynicism, less respectful attitude toward established organizations, and general snarkiness would make this hard to pull off and still be funny - - but it is!
Also, the choice of Goran Sudzuka, the same artist that Ennis collaborated with on the grim but superb A WALK THROUGH HELL seemed odd to me, but Sudzuka shows his lighter side, and the images are very expressive and add to the humor.
Of course, the trademark ultra-violence and foul language are here along with some sexy sidebars and innuendos and school-boy humor, but it just wouldn't be an Ennis creation without it. If you want to introduce your friends to Ennis' works (and you should) but feel THE BOYS might be too over-the-top and extreme an introduction, try suggesting this one. I'm still laughing.
FOUR STARS.
While I was pulled into Tynion's crazy story from the very beginning, it took a few issues to warm up to Dell'edera's art style and Muerto's colorations. However, as I read further I began to appreciate how much the art team fully embraced this story and enhanced the atmosphere of dread with specific choices of images and shading.
Main character Erica Slaughter is a fascinating blend of Buffy and other strong female characters. Her depiction begins as mysterious and dark and then becomes more absorbing and empathetic as the situation progresses and gets worse for the troubled town. The supporting cast (James, Tommy, and others) is strong and well-developed.
The main story/conflict was deeply troubling and provided plenty of suspense. Tynion begins to reveal more layers of Erica's background as the story moves beyond the initial single monster threat and morphs into a bigger problem that involves the secretive order that she reports to. I love rebellious characters with integrity and a personal code of morality, and Erica has it in spades. FIVE STARS.
Saturday, July 23, 2022
The James Hunter Six "Something's Calling" OFFICIAL VIDEO
Music of 2022: JAMES HUNTER SIX from the "Hold On!" album
THE OLD MAN Official Trailer (2022)
THE OLD MAN on FX network: Fantastic, entertaining mystery/thriller with
Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow in fine form. Smart script. Glad to learn there
will be a second season. I did not see the big twist (one of several throughout
the series) until the final episode. FIVE STARS.
Friday, July 22, 2022
The Spirit (2008) - Official Trailer #1
THE SPIRIT on HBO. The initial reviews for this film were so bad that I
stayed away. However, the fact that it was being replayed on one of HBO's
side channels and that I could record it for later viewing was enough to
make me watch it. Not as bad as I anticipated, although I can see why it
was universally panned. A bit too cornball, recalling the campy super-hero
movies that didn't play as well. Also some awful dialogue and a stupid
plot. However, it was really cool to see the classic Spirit character visualized
like this, and so many of the scenes are worth watching. Frank Miller
wrote and directed this, and the Sin City influences are many. TWO AND
ONE-HALF STARS.
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
WESTWORLD Season 4 Episode 4 Breakdown, Theories & Details You Missed!
WESTWORLD S4E4 on HBO: I'm back for Episode 4 and just as
confused as ever. I find these re-caps indispensable to reviewing
what I just watched and try to make the pieces fit together. Whew.
Dark Winds Official Trailer | Sundays on AMC & Stream Now on AMC+
DARK WINDS mini-series on AMC TV: Great, atmospheric mystery/drama
set in a Navajo Indian reservation. Good performances, neat twists in the
plot, an satisfactory ending with an open-ended afterwords scene. FOUR STARS
PGHHEAD'S 2022 COMICS ODYSSEY, Part 28
PGHHEAD’S 2022 COMIC ODYSSEY, PART 28
In 2021 I set a goal to post reviews here for 1,000 comics, and finished the year at 1,008 reviews. It was a stretch - - not to read that many comics, because I actually read quite a bit more. The challenge is to find and take the time to write a fair review of what I read - - but I made it. I’m up for a new year, and a new challenge. My goal for 2022 is to read and document 1,200 comics. That’s an average of 100 books per month, easy enough to check and update. Wish me luck!
# GOAL FOR July 20, 2022 . . . 667 comics documented
CURRENT COUNT . . . . . 643 comics documented
This series from Heavy Metal ran four issues in 2021, and all are reprinted here. Unfortunately, this was only the first story arc, and this ends with a lot of plot threads left hanging and unexplained. It appears that there will not be a second volume, perhaps all for the best.
The first issue hooked me, and then it sort of went meandering around as it introduced more characters and subplots that were presented in a disjointed fashion. Bart Fishkill is an interesting character, a suicidal, Afghan war vet who may be suffering from PTSD who's been demoted to a menial position within the NYC police force because of anger/aggression issues. A terrorist bomb explodes on his daily check of parking meters, and suddenly he's the number one suspect - -something that is never clearly defined except to reveal that there are forces that want to discredit and perhaps even eliminate him - why? Now he's on the run.
The book is described as a neo-noir love story and only part of that holds true. The love interest appears to be extremely one-sided (rescue infatuation, perhaps) and kind of creepy. Writers Dan Fogler and Laurence Blum show their homage to Frank Miller's SIN CITY throughout, but this just doesn't compare. There's more to showing your love for a classic work than just trying to duplicate the atmosphere and mood. In my opinion, they needed to tighten up and clarify that plot more.
What kept me going to the end is the incredible, stylish artwork of Ben Templesmith, who excels at pencils, inks, color and lettering on this title. His work here is award-worthy, but this may get passed over for consideration because the rest is kind of a mess. Templesmith is the reason I didn’t give this a two-star rating. THREE STARS.
I loved the premise - - a character who because of a near-death experience can now see and communicate with ghosts -- who constantly badger her to help them find a new beginning.
Main character Garcia is not your typical narrator/hero - - a plus size, cynical woman with self-worth and meaning-of-life issues who would rather hide herself within drugs and fast food binges. She tries to capitalize on her new abilities and make money from the dead. She creates a hotel (The Garcia Arms) within her mindscape to provide her clients temporary residence.
I didn't like her at the beginning, but as the story progresses she becomes more relatable as she becomes attached to some of the ghosts, and actually fears for them when she gets caught up in a war for control between angels and devils. When she finally gets an audience with God, it's with a alien, blob-like entity who would rather play video games than show any interest in humans.
There's a lot to uncover within this story, and I actually found it heart-warming and optimistic. You won't be able to finish this quickly like most modern comics. There is a lot of dialogue and plot to digest. Writer Sebela doesn't show his hand all at once, and introduces a few more twists every issue. Definintly deserves consideration for Best Original Work/Mini-Series of 2021. FOUR STARS.
The presentation and packaging make this a must-read trip down popular culture memory lane to that famous comeback boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, the "Rumble In The Jungle" of 1974.
This is presented as a partial biography of renewed photographer Abbas (with some enlightening text and interview at the backend of the book) who was ringside to take photos of the iconic boxing match. Many of those now-revealed photographs are incorporated into the storyline, providing a neat blend of documentary, photo report, and graphic novel.
The script by Jean-David Mrovan also includes some back history of both Ali and Foreman. The art by Rafael Ortiz is just as captivating to view as are the photo images. FOUR STARS.
#619 - #630 STERANKO NICK FURY: AGENT OF S.H.I.E.L.D. ARTISAN EDITION by James Steranko (IDW Publishing, 2021) This was my first opportunity to read one of the various Artisan Editions put out by IDW Publishing, where the original art is scanned and reproduced on approximately 8" x 12" heavy stock pages, complete with notations and production directions.
Jim Steranko was one of the very first Marvel creators to be allowed to write, pencil, ink, and color his own stories. This volume focuses on his early work for Marvel in the pages of Strange Tales. He began as a finisher over Jack Kirby's layouts, then graduated to main artist with assist on story from Roy Thomas, and then complete control over story and art. It's all here, and it's really cool to see the progression and experimentation in both.
Steranko was one of the reasons I kept reading comics back in my formative high-school years (when I wasn't sure if it was still "cool" to be doing so).
The presentation, packaging and design are all premium quality. In writing, Steranko captured the idiosyncratic nature of Nick Fury's character and that, plus his art, would go on to influence others who took over the helm later. My only regret is that these are all black and white scans, so the creative choices that Steranko employed in his coloring are not included. FIVE STARS.
#631 STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN #1 by Rodney Barnes and Georges Jeanty (Marvel, September 2022)
While I would have preferred an original story featuring this character, this will do. Barnes does a nice job of adapting the streaming Disney+ series to comics. Jeanty’s art here is exceptional. He really captures the atmosphere and moodiness of the first episode in very cinematic fashion.
This is definitely worth a look. If you don’t have the Disney+ service among your various streaming subscriptions, then here’s your chance to at least read a good story in a different, but still visual format.
FOUR STARS.
#632 - #643 THE FANTASTIC ILLUSTRATIONS OF TIMOTHY TRUMAN art book by Timothy Truman (Clover Press, December 2021)
This art book showcases the gorgeous illustrations of artist/writer Timothy Truman, from his beginnings in the early 1980's to present times.
Best known for his work in comic books, especially the early days of indie comics (Grimjack, Scout, etc) and collaborations with writer Joe R. Lansdale (Jonah Hex) this collection provides a chance for fans to see what else he has done. Truman is truly versatile: comic books, magazine covers, video game art, role playing game art, rock album covers and children's books.
With accompanying text written by Truman and providing insights into his particular art style, this is a fabulous collection for all fans of fantasy art. The oversize format, design, and packaging by Clover Press are all first-rate. Award-worthy. FIVE STARS.
Book Review: SKINWRAPPER by Stephen Kozeniewski
SKINWRAPPER by Stephen Kozeniewski (Sinister Grin Press, August 2019) Kindle Edition, 81 pages. ASIN # B07TNPP4NZ
Summary on the Goodreads website . . . . .
A single word strikes fear into the hearts of even the most experienced starship crews…
Aboard the freighter Blue Whale, a young girl’s day begins like any other: texting her friends while her parents bicker about breakfast. Then, with a loud, sickening pop, their domestic tranquility is shattered.
A single word goes out over the emergency warning system…
The galaxy’s shipping lanes are plagued by a gang of vicious pirates. Suffering from all manner of terminal diseases, they require zero gravity to live. They also need a constant influx of fresh blood and organs, so their victims also become their unwilling donors. The band is so ruthless, so violent, that its very name has become a synonym for terror.
A single word that chills the blood, even in the utter cold of space…
The little girl finds herself alone, lost, and trapped aboard the vessel she called home, praying it won’t also become her tomb. She is about to learn there is nothing in the universe worse than being hunted by a SKINWRAPPER.
This prequel novella shoves you screaming back into the world of “space horror masterpiece” (Daily Dead) THE HEMATOPHAGES.
My Three-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . .
This short novella is dark, stark and dystopian. Kozeniewski pares things down to the horrific essentials and creates a compelling and lightning-fast read. He certainly knows how to build suspense and maintain it. If you are prone to biting your fingernails during moments of stress or anxiety, then please wear gloves while reading this.
I'm fascinated by the world-building here, and wish there were more of it as well as more specifics and explanations. Still, the story holds your attention and keeps you turning pages despite the lack of certain details.
This definitely feels like a section of a longer work. The Goodreads summary describes this as a prequel, while the author's acknowledgment in the back text refers to it as a sequel of sorts to a longer novel, The Hemotophages. Guess I may have to read that to learn more.
Sunday, July 17, 2022
WESTWORLD Season 4 Episode 3 Breakdown, Theories & Details You Missed!
WESTWORLD, S4E3 on HBO: Just like the LOST series, this keeps introducing
enough new side plots to make your head swim. As long as they get explained
and resolved, I'm willing to hang in and wait for it. Meanwhile the images
are visually stunning. I'm enjoying this despite my confusion.
Saturday, July 16, 2022
CERAMIC ANIMAL - "I Cant Wait" (Live in Austin, TX 2022) #JAMINTHEVAN
Damn good band, and semi-local (Doylestown PA) CERAMIC ANIMAL
2 of 3
Friday, July 15, 2022
SAMURAI DOGGY: They Rubbed Him The Wrong Way - - upcoming release
|
Thursday, July 14, 2022
The X-Files (1998) Official Trailer
THE X-FILES first movie on HBO: I thought this would feel dated, watching
it some 20+ years after initial release. Not so, and surprisingly it still holds
up . . . and dare I say it . . . . kind of topicals as it relates to the FBI, secret
government projects, and conspiracy theories. Plus, it lends credence to
all those seasons of Mulder believing . . . . FOUR STARS.
Book Review: YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE by Harris Orkin
YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE by Harris Orkin (Black Rose Writing, February 2022) Paperback, 215 pages. ISBN # 1684339626 / 9781684339624
Summary on the Goodreads website . . . . .
James Flynn believes he's an expert shot, a black belt in karate, fluent in four languages and irresistible to women. He’s also a heavily medicated patient in a Los Angeles psychiatric hospital. Flynn believes his locked ward is the headquarters of Her Majesty’s Secret Service and that he is a secret agent with a license to kill.
When the hospital is acquired by a new HMO, Flynn is convinced that the Secret Service has been infiltrated by the enemy. He escapes to save the day, and in the process, Flynn kidnaps a young Hispanic orderly named Sancho.
This crazy day trip turns into a very real adventure when Flynn is mistaken for an actual secret agent. Paranoid delusions have suddenly become reality, and now it’s up to a mental patient and a terrified orderly to bring down an insecure, evil genius bent on world domination.
Editorial Reviews
“A brilliant homage to everyone’s favorite super-spy, and a hilarious, action-packed, made-for-the-movies thriller about a man suavely dancing along both sides of the thin line between heroism and madness.” —Matt Forbeck, New York Times bestselling author of Halo: New Blood
"Orkin skillfully manages to create a story that is genuinely amusing, tenderly moving, and decidedly thoughtful. A manically funny farce both delightfully absurd and strangely plausible." - Kirkus
“Pacey and unrepentant fun, Haris Orkin’s You Only Live Once takes the James Bond mythos, gives it a swift kick in the backside and steals its wallet.” —James Swallow, New York Times bestselling author of Nomad
“Fill shaker with ice. Add equal parts Ian Fleming and Quentin Tarantino. Shake (do not stir). Garnish with Douglas Adams, and you get You Only Live Once.” —Dan Jolley, USA Today bestselling author of the Gray Widow Trilogy
“A sexy, slapstick, razzle-dazzle, rock’em-sock’em re-imagining of Don Quixote as James Bond emerging from deep cover in a mental hospital to save the world." Charles Harper Webb, award-winning author of Brain Candy
Orkin’s twist on the spy narrative is fast-paced and exciting, packed with thrilling action and close calls. This novel is incredibly well written; the action sequences are finely crafted and the descriptive passages are lovely. - Publisher's Weekly
My Four-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .
Escape is the essential word here in describing this novel. A delightful return to a more innocent time, recalling those classic 1960's - 1970's secret agent movies, with a more modern protagonist who exhibits all the moves of James Bond but just might be insane, or at minimum, mentally challenged.
James Flynn is a quirky patient in a mental hospital who believes and/or imagines he's a licensed-to-kill member of Her Majesty's Secret Service and the hospital is actually MI6's headquarters.
Fast-paced and easy to read, YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE is a funny and entertaining introduction to this series. Writer Orkin manages to keep readers guessing right up until the very end - - - are these adventures a pure product of Flynn's imagination or are they occurring in real time? Is he really that skilled, athletic, and intuitive or just a mental patient replaying his fantasies in his waking daydreams?
I just decided to treat this like I do many science fiction, fantasy and horror novels - - put that disbelief in suspension and just go along for the ride.
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