From the book description:- Harry Dresden is the only wizard in the Chicago phone book and consults for the police department on those so-called unusual' cases. But there's no love lost between Harry and the White Council of Wizards, who find him brash and undisciplined. Yet now the vampire wars have thinned the ranks of wizards, the White Council needs Harry, like it or not. He's drafted as a Warden, and assigned to look into rumours of black magic in the Windy City. And, if that isn't enough, another problem arrives for Harry in the form of the tattooed and pierced daughter of an old friend, all grown-up and already in trouble. Her boyfriend was the only one in the room when an old man was attacked, but in spite of this, he insists he didn't do it. What looks like a supernatural assault straight out of a horror film turns out to be well, something quite close to that, as Harry discovers that malevolent entities that feed on fear are loose in Chicago. All in a day's work for a wizard, his faithful dog, and a talking skull named Bob.
Harry is called by Molly (Michael and Charity's Daughter) as she says she's been arrested and needs to be bailed (and doesn't want Dad and Mom to know about it !). Anyway, when Harry turns up to help, things get....complicated. He is drawn into a Horror convention where the stars of the films are coming to life and killing the convention-goers and is followed by a mysterious figure! He investigates in his usual manner and slowly unravels a number of twisted plots which he needs to unravel quickly in order to save lives. There is more interaction with Vampires (not saying which ones...) and both sides of Faerie (obvious from the beginning) and he makes a chilling discovery about someone he cares greatly for, something that could cost them (and him) their lives......
These books do really get better and better as you plough through them.
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Monday, 12 September 2011
The Dresden Files, book 7 : Dead Beat by Jim Butcher
Meet Harry Dresden, Chicago's first (and only) Wizard P.I. Turns out the 'everyday' world isfull of strange and magical things - and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Luckily, however, he's not alone. Although most people don't believe in magic, the Chicago P.D. has a Special Investigations department, headed by his good friend Karrin Murphy. They deal with the ...stranger cases. It's down to Karrin that Harry sneaks into Graceland Cemetery to meet a vampire named Mavra. Mavra has evidence that would destroy Karrin's career, and her demands are simple. She wants the Word of Kemmler - and all the power that comes with it. But first, Harry's keen to know what he'd be handing over. Before long he's racing against time, and six necromancers, to get the Word. And to prevent a Halloween that would truly wake the dead. Magic - it can get a guy killed.
So, Harry is blackmailed by Mavra (leader of the Black Court of Vampires) to recover the "Word of Kemmler", but isn't told what it is, or where it is. He is harried and hunted by three groups of former disciples of Kemmler who also want the word, and the power that its knowledge will convey. His brother Thomas is a major pain in his life, he finds a girlfriend, he is weighed down by a coward who he has sworn to protect, is hounded by someone out for revenge and to top it all off, Lasciel (of the Order of the Blackened Denarius) the demon bound to the coin he picked up at the end of Death Masks begins her seduction. All is not what it seems in the world of Harry Dresden and this is possibly his greatest challenge to date (again)......
What more can I say, another fantastic installment in the life of Harry Dresden - it just gets better and better for the reader, and worse and worse for poor Harry.
So, Harry is blackmailed by Mavra (leader of the Black Court of Vampires) to recover the "Word of Kemmler", but isn't told what it is, or where it is. He is harried and hunted by three groups of former disciples of Kemmler who also want the word, and the power that its knowledge will convey. His brother Thomas is a major pain in his life, he finds a girlfriend, he is weighed down by a coward who he has sworn to protect, is hounded by someone out for revenge and to top it all off, Lasciel (of the Order of the Blackened Denarius) the demon bound to the coin he picked up at the end of Death Masks begins her seduction. All is not what it seems in the world of Harry Dresden and this is possibly his greatest challenge to date (again)......
What more can I say, another fantastic installment in the life of Harry Dresden - it just gets better and better for the reader, and worse and worse for poor Harry.
Friday, 2 September 2011
The Dresden Files, book 6 : Blood Rites by Jim Butcher
For Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, there have been worse assignments than going undercover on the set of an adult film. Dodging flaming monkey poo, for instance. Or going toe-to-leaf with a walking plant monster. Still, there's something more troubling than usual about his newest case. The film's producer believes he's the target of a sinister entropy curse - but it's the woman around him who are dying, in increasingly spectacular ways. Harry's doubly frustrated because he got involved with this bizarre mystery only as a favour to Thomas, his flirtatious, self-absorbed vampire acquaintance of dubious integrity. Thomas has a personal stake in the case Harry can't quite figure out, until his investigation leads him straight to Thomas's oversexed vampire family. Harry's about to discover that Thomas's family tree has been hiding a shocking secret: a revelation that will change Harry's life forever.
Harry is convinced by Thomas that he owes him a favour (and he probably does) so he hires him to protect a friend of his as people around him are getting hurt. It turns out that his friend is a director in the adult film industry and does indeed have some kind of entropy curse around him. Harry gets drawn into a web of intrigue and deceit, gets attacked by black court vampires set on revenge and makes a startling discovery about his family history.
Another excellent helping of Dresden slowly evolving his story and building on his previous tales.
Harry is convinced by Thomas that he owes him a favour (and he probably does) so he hires him to protect a friend of his as people around him are getting hurt. It turns out that his friend is a director in the adult film industry and does indeed have some kind of entropy curse around him. Harry gets drawn into a web of intrigue and deceit, gets attacked by black court vampires set on revenge and makes a startling discovery about his family history.
Another excellent helping of Dresden slowly evolving his story and building on his previous tales.
Thursday, 25 August 2011
The Dresden Files, book 5 : Death Masks by Jim Butcher
From the book description:- Harry Dresden, Chicago's only practising professional wizard, should be happy that business is pretty good for a change. But now he's getting more than he bargained for: A duel with the Red Court of Vampires' champion, who must kill Harry to end the war between vampires and wizards ...Professional hit men using Harry for target practice ...The missing Shroud of Turin ...A handless and headless corpse the Chicago police need identified ...Not to mention the return of Harry's ex-girlfriend Susan, who's still struggling with her semi-vampiric nature. And who seems to have a new man in her life. Some days, it just doesn't pay to get out of bed. No matter how much you're charging.
In this installment of the life of Harry Dresden, Harry is hired (by a priest from the Vatican) to recover the stolen Shroud of Turin, the sacred shroud that Jesus was wrapped in after his crucifixion. He is also challenged to a duel to the death by Duke Ortega (of the Red Court) to stop the war between the Wizards of the White Council and the Red Court vampires. He gets sucked into a deep and involved plot by Fallen Angels to reek death and destruction across the whole world with the potential to kill millions. He is helped (and tried to be stopped by) three Knights of The Cross, including Michael. He is tempted by the power of the fallen.
Another great year from the life of Harry Dresden. Possibly the best book to date - Butcher is evolving into an excellent story teller.
In this installment of the life of Harry Dresden, Harry is hired (by a priest from the Vatican) to recover the stolen Shroud of Turin, the sacred shroud that Jesus was wrapped in after his crucifixion. He is also challenged to a duel to the death by Duke Ortega (of the Red Court) to stop the war between the Wizards of the White Council and the Red Court vampires. He gets sucked into a deep and involved plot by Fallen Angels to reek death and destruction across the whole world with the potential to kill millions. He is helped (and tried to be stopped by) three Knights of The Cross, including Michael. He is tempted by the power of the fallen.
Another great year from the life of Harry Dresden. Possibly the best book to date - Butcher is evolving into an excellent story teller.
Monday, 8 August 2011
The Dresden Files, book 4 : Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
From the book description :- Ever since his girlfriend left town to deal with her newly acquired taste for blood, Harry Dresden has been down and out in Chicago. He can't pay his rent. He's alienating his friends. He can't even recall the last time he took a shower. The only professional wizard in the phone book has become a desperate man. And just when it seems things can't get any worse, in saunters the Winter Queen of Faerie. She has an offer Harry can't refuse if he wants to free himself of the supernatural hold his faerie godmother has over him - and hopefully end his run of bad luck. All he has to do is find out who murdered the Summer Queen's right-hand man, the Summer Knight, and clear the Winter Queen's name. It seems simple enough, but Harry knows better than to get caught in the middle of faerie politics. Until he finds out that the fate of the entire world rests on his solving this case. No pressure or anything ...
In this, latest installment, Harry is in trouble with the White Council for starting the war with the Vampires of the Red Court. Many members want him sacrificed to the Vampires in appeasement for starting the war to bring a ceasefire and peace. Others think he was used by them deliberately to start the war and think that the White Council should fight. Harry is set a task by the council, as a test of his status as a Wizard. Failure and he will be delivered to the Vamps, success and, well, he keeps his Wizard status.
He is also hired by Mab, the Winter Queen (or faerie) to find out who killed the Summer Knight (the Knight of the Summer Queen) ! Strange, yes indeed. Harry gets drawn into a sinister plot to shift the balance of power between the Winter and Summer courts......but by who ? Billy and the werewolves are in this tale again along with some more new characters.
Another gripping (and somewhat more complex) story from Butcher.
In this, latest installment, Harry is in trouble with the White Council for starting the war with the Vampires of the Red Court. Many members want him sacrificed to the Vampires in appeasement for starting the war to bring a ceasefire and peace. Others think he was used by them deliberately to start the war and think that the White Council should fight. Harry is set a task by the council, as a test of his status as a Wizard. Failure and he will be delivered to the Vamps, success and, well, he keeps his Wizard status.
He is also hired by Mab, the Winter Queen (or faerie) to find out who killed the Summer Knight (the Knight of the Summer Queen) ! Strange, yes indeed. Harry gets drawn into a sinister plot to shift the balance of power between the Winter and Summer courts......but by who ? Billy and the werewolves are in this tale again along with some more new characters.
Another gripping (and somewhat more complex) story from Butcher.
Monday, 1 August 2011
Captain America : The First Avenger
I went to see this with a friend of mine on Friday night. We're both current, or former comic readers although not avid Captain America/Avengers. We had both been keeping up with the press views of the film and knowing that it generally got good comments, we were expecting a really good evening. We have both seen all of the preceeding Marvel films leading up to this - Iron Man 1 and 2, plus Thor (no that they have any significant bearing on this film (except that Tony Stark's dad, Howard Stark, is in it).
The film opens with a weedy Steve Rogers attempting (and failing) to enlist in the army to go an fight the "Nazi's". Steve has a strong moral standing on doing right and standing up to bullies - something that continually gets him beaten up. Then Dr Erskine sees him attempting to join again and allows him to enlist in Project Rebirth. He goes through some kind of basic training with a load of other soldiers, who pretty much bully him right through the training, but show resourcefulness and initiative throughout together with a selfless attitude. He is helped by Agent Carter and who seems to take a shine to him (liking him as a person despite his physical limitations) and gets picked as the first to be put through the "transformation" and reborn.
Immediately after his rebirth, Hydra (who Erskine used to work for) sabotage the facility, killing Erskine and destroying the equipment. Rogers captures the saborager who takes a cyanide pill before he can be questioned. Rogers is then set up as a propaganda mascot and used in shows to sell war bonds to raise money for the millitary. This is probably the weakest part of the film, but is kept short enough, that it gets it's message across without being too frustrating. He ends up in Europe and performing to the 107 (which his father served in and in which his best friend Bucky Barnes is serving). Having been heckled and booed off stage, he finds out that hundreds of the unit were captured by Hydra and Dr Schmitt (Red Skull) at a facility deep in Nazi controlled territory. Captain America (with the help of Agent Carter and Howard Stark) gets dropped near the base and single handed saves most of the soldiers.
The story escalates from here and I'm not going to go into it all (I'll be here for days).
All in all, it's very well put together, well acted and well scripted.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and it sets up things well for next year with the first Avengers film.
Overall - 4/5 - jolly good fun.
The film opens with a weedy Steve Rogers attempting (and failing) to enlist in the army to go an fight the "Nazi's". Steve has a strong moral standing on doing right and standing up to bullies - something that continually gets him beaten up. Then Dr Erskine sees him attempting to join again and allows him to enlist in Project Rebirth. He goes through some kind of basic training with a load of other soldiers, who pretty much bully him right through the training, but show resourcefulness and initiative throughout together with a selfless attitude. He is helped by Agent Carter and who seems to take a shine to him (liking him as a person despite his physical limitations) and gets picked as the first to be put through the "transformation" and reborn.
Immediately after his rebirth, Hydra (who Erskine used to work for) sabotage the facility, killing Erskine and destroying the equipment. Rogers captures the saborager who takes a cyanide pill before he can be questioned. Rogers is then set up as a propaganda mascot and used in shows to sell war bonds to raise money for the millitary. This is probably the weakest part of the film, but is kept short enough, that it gets it's message across without being too frustrating. He ends up in Europe and performing to the 107 (which his father served in and in which his best friend Bucky Barnes is serving). Having been heckled and booed off stage, he finds out that hundreds of the unit were captured by Hydra and Dr Schmitt (Red Skull) at a facility deep in Nazi controlled territory. Captain America (with the help of Agent Carter and Howard Stark) gets dropped near the base and single handed saves most of the soldiers.
The story escalates from here and I'm not going to go into it all (I'll be here for days).
All in all, it's very well put together, well acted and well scripted.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and it sets up things well for next year with the first Avengers film.
Overall - 4/5 - jolly good fun.
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
The Dresden Files, book 3 : Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
From the book description:- Harry Dresden's faced some pretty terrifying foes during his career. Giant scorpions. Oversexed vampires. Psychotic werewolves. It comes with the territory when you're the only professional wizard in the Chicago area phone book. But in all Harry's years of supernatural sleuthing, he's never faced anything like this: the spirit world's gone loco. All over Chicago, ghosts are causing trouble - and not just of the door-slamming, boo-shouting variety. These ghosts are tormented, violent, and deadly. Someone - or something - is purposely stirring them up to wreak unearthly havoc. But why? And why do so many of the victims have ties to Harry? If Harry doesn't figure it out soon, he could wind up a ghost himself ...
In this episode, Harry gets involved investigating why it seems that all the spirits in Chicago are going loco. As the plot unfolds, it turns out that it's related to a previous case that he helped the police with, along side Michael, the local Knight of the Cross, who wields one of three Holy swords of power. This is where the series really gets going. Michael is a long term reocurring hero in the books and I just love his eternal, unfaultering faith in The Almighty. Butcher writes Michael brilliantly, and his wife Charity, who, for some reason detests Dresden (you find out why much later in the series), plus there is a new character introduced that will also recur throughout books to come.... Susan bites off more than she can chew, and Harry's Godmother Leah decides that it's time she called in an overdue debt (well, pact). Along the journey, Harry has to battle Vampires, ghosts, demons, vampires, sorcerers and vampires.... Lots of sh!t kicks off in this that will have repercussions for may books to come.....
Another really good story from Butcher.
In this episode, Harry gets involved investigating why it seems that all the spirits in Chicago are going loco. As the plot unfolds, it turns out that it's related to a previous case that he helped the police with, along side Michael, the local Knight of the Cross, who wields one of three Holy swords of power. This is where the series really gets going. Michael is a long term reocurring hero in the books and I just love his eternal, unfaultering faith in The Almighty. Butcher writes Michael brilliantly, and his wife Charity, who, for some reason detests Dresden (you find out why much later in the series), plus there is a new character introduced that will also recur throughout books to come.... Susan bites off more than she can chew, and Harry's Godmother Leah decides that it's time she called in an overdue debt (well, pact). Along the journey, Harry has to battle Vampires, ghosts, demons, vampires, sorcerers and vampires.... Lots of sh!t kicks off in this that will have repercussions for may books to come.....
Another really good story from Butcher.
Monday, 18 July 2011
The Dresden Files, book 2 : Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
From the book description:- Business has been slow. Okay, business has been dead. And not even of the undead variety. You would think Chicago would have a little more action for the only professional wizard in the phone book. But lately, Harry Dresden hasn't been able to dredge up any kind of work - magical or mundane. But just when it looks like he can't afford his next meal, a murder comes along that requires his particular brand of supernatural expertise. A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon. Take three guesses - and the first two don't count ...
This episode in the chronicles of Harry Dresden is about Werewolves, and all of their brethren. Harry is called in by Karrin Murphy to help with the grizzly murder of one of Gentleman Johnny Marcone's goons who appears to have been mauled by a Werewolf ! As Harry investigates, it turns out that there are four types of werewolves and they all appear in this tale. It's not a complicated story (probably Butchers least complicated one), but has some twists from the character's perspectives and is still a really enjoyable read.
This episode in the chronicles of Harry Dresden is about Werewolves, and all of their brethren. Harry is called in by Karrin Murphy to help with the grizzly murder of one of Gentleman Johnny Marcone's goons who appears to have been mauled by a Werewolf ! As Harry investigates, it turns out that there are four types of werewolves and they all appear in this tale. It's not a complicated story (probably Butchers least complicated one), but has some twists from the character's perspectives and is still a really enjoyable read.
Friday, 15 July 2011
The Dresden Files, book 1 : Storm Front by Jim Butcher
From the book description:- Lost items found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Reasonable rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment. Harry Dresden is the best and technically the 'only' at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal capabilities, they come to him for answers. For the 'everyday' world is actually full of strange and magical things - and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a - well, whatever.
A friend of mine put me onto Jim Butcher's stories about a modern day wizard, who is also a P.I., based in Chicago. Since picking up this book, I have read the whole series (and will review each one on this blog as I re-read them).
In this story, he is approached by a woman who's husband has disappeared, and is also engaged by the Chicago P.D. to help with a grizzly double murder. As he investigates both, he discovers that all is not what it seems and that dark magic is at play. To make matters worse, Harry is also on probation with the "White Council" of Wizards as a possible Sorcerer having killed his former mentor (in self-defense). So, he has a Warder following him most of the time waiting for him to trip-up and break some more rules, so the Council can execute him for using dark magic (which is outlawed). As he investigates, he unravels a story of vampires, criminal gangs, prostitution, magical drugs, sorcery and demonic possession that ends in an explosive climax.
It's a fast-paced exciting story that is written with the right amount of humour and horror to be thoroughly enjoyable. If you like fantasy or horror there is probably enough here for you to thoroughly enjoy.
A friend of mine put me onto Jim Butcher's stories about a modern day wizard, who is also a P.I., based in Chicago. Since picking up this book, I have read the whole series (and will review each one on this blog as I re-read them).
In this story, he is approached by a woman who's husband has disappeared, and is also engaged by the Chicago P.D. to help with a grizzly double murder. As he investigates both, he discovers that all is not what it seems and that dark magic is at play. To make matters worse, Harry is also on probation with the "White Council" of Wizards as a possible Sorcerer having killed his former mentor (in self-defense). So, he has a Warder following him most of the time waiting for him to trip-up and break some more rules, so the Council can execute him for using dark magic (which is outlawed). As he investigates, he unravels a story of vampires, criminal gangs, prostitution, magical drugs, sorcery and demonic possession that ends in an explosive climax.
It's a fast-paced exciting story that is written with the right amount of humour and horror to be thoroughly enjoyable. If you like fantasy or horror there is probably enough here for you to thoroughly enjoy.
Sunday, 26 June 2011
Batman #709 - Judgment on Gotham Conclusion, Secret Sin
This is a crossover with Red Robin #22 and Gotham City Sirens #22, which I haven't read, but it doesn't seem to matter particularly as it's pretty self-contained in the two Batman issues. It seems that both Robin and Catwoman have been judged and only Batman is left to go. So, some spurious history about Dick Grayson is dug-up (well, it's spurious to me) and Batman (Dick) is judged.
I'm not going to dig into the plot (it's a bit much to narrate here), but I enjoyed it quite a bit.
I'm not going to dig into the plot (it's a bit much to narrate here), but I enjoyed it quite a bit.
X-Men Legacy #248
After the complete and utter disappointment of the end of "Age of X", this throws a more interesting light on the whole experience. Whilst I HATED the way they terminated the crossover storyline, this issue raises some interesting aftershocks from the alternate life all of the X-Men led.
So, the door is open for some changes, some returns and some....reconciliations........maybe !
So, the door is open for some changes, some returns and some....reconciliations........maybe !
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
X-Men: First Class
I went to see this with a couple of friends of mine on Friday night. We're all current, or former comic readers and all know the back-story to the X-Men well enough. I'd heard a review on the radio, from a film critic who I do generally respect (although not always agree with) - Mark Kermode (from Radio Five), and he had generally disliked the film and in particular the cold war overtones.
So, when I went to see it, I went with moderate expectations (and told my friends as much). I was also going with a view to grade it in consideration of taking my 10 year-old son as he desperately wants to see it (he's seen the Iron Man films and Thor and we both loved them all).
Was I a happy bunny when I walked out after 131 minutes - I did really enjoy it.
It begins with the same into scene as the original X-Men, with Eric Leinsher being separated from his parents in the Nazi concentration camp, and the famous gate-bending scene. But then they cut to a scene where he is being "encouraged" to recreate his powers by a German "doctor" (who later turns out to be Sebastian Shaw (aka the Black King of the Hellfire Club). This culminates with Shaw shooting Leinshers mother in an effort to get Eric to trigger his powers (which he can only do from immense anger - until Xavier helps him unlock it later in the film).
I'm not going to go into the whole plot in too much detail, except to say that the main driving force of the movie is Magneto's attempt to exact revenge on Shaw. This is all set in a cold war backdrop where Shaw is trying to manipulate the USA and Russia into launching into a nuclear war to destroy the humans on the planet (apparently mutants are immune to radioactivity).
I was somewhat surprised that the X-Men chosen in the film as few of the original X-Men were there. Only Angel (completely different character) and Beast were present. There were also Xavier (obviously), Mystique, Havok, Darwin and Beast. As to why none of the other original X-Men were in the film is lost on me, other than to say that it worked pretty well. Much of the back-story of the secondary characters is left out and what is included is completely different to the comic book, but doesn't detract unduly other than I found myself sitting there thinking, "no, that isn't who he/she is" etc. etc.. They also have Moria McTaggert, who, instead of being a genetic scientist, is a CIA agent (go figure.....), but again, it worked ok and there was a spark between her and Xavier, so who know's if she'll be back later....
So all in all, disappointed in the lack of real "first" class members of the X-Men, but overall very well put together and highly enjoyable film, dispite a slightly stodgy bit in the middle.
Loved the cameo from Hugh Action !
4/5
So, when I went to see it, I went with moderate expectations (and told my friends as much). I was also going with a view to grade it in consideration of taking my 10 year-old son as he desperately wants to see it (he's seen the Iron Man films and Thor and we both loved them all).
Was I a happy bunny when I walked out after 131 minutes - I did really enjoy it.
It begins with the same into scene as the original X-Men, with Eric Leinsher being separated from his parents in the Nazi concentration camp, and the famous gate-bending scene. But then they cut to a scene where he is being "encouraged" to recreate his powers by a German "doctor" (who later turns out to be Sebastian Shaw (aka the Black King of the Hellfire Club). This culminates with Shaw shooting Leinshers mother in an effort to get Eric to trigger his powers (which he can only do from immense anger - until Xavier helps him unlock it later in the film).
I'm not going to go into the whole plot in too much detail, except to say that the main driving force of the movie is Magneto's attempt to exact revenge on Shaw. This is all set in a cold war backdrop where Shaw is trying to manipulate the USA and Russia into launching into a nuclear war to destroy the humans on the planet (apparently mutants are immune to radioactivity).
I was somewhat surprised that the X-Men chosen in the film as few of the original X-Men were there. Only Angel (completely different character) and Beast were present. There were also Xavier (obviously), Mystique, Havok, Darwin and Beast. As to why none of the other original X-Men were in the film is lost on me, other than to say that it worked pretty well. Much of the back-story of the secondary characters is left out and what is included is completely different to the comic book, but doesn't detract unduly other than I found myself sitting there thinking, "no, that isn't who he/she is" etc. etc.. They also have Moria McTaggert, who, instead of being a genetic scientist, is a CIA agent (go figure.....), but again, it worked ok and there was a spark between her and Xavier, so who know's if she'll be back later....
So all in all, disappointed in the lack of real "first" class members of the X-Men, but overall very well put together and highly enjoyable film, dispite a slightly stodgy bit in the middle.
Loved the cameo from Hugh Action !
4/5
Monday, 30 May 2011
Age of X Universe, #1, #2 (of 2)
Complete Garbage.
Considering that the whole Age of X story arc was in Legions head, wtf are Captain America, Sue Storm, Iron Man and Bruce Banner doing there. Or not there, as the case may be.
This is completely superfluous to anything to do with the whole Age of X storyline and is just a manipulative attempt by Marvel to sell more comics. SHAME ON YOU MARVEL.
I wish I hadn't wasted the money on these.
Considering that the whole Age of X story arc was in Legions head, wtf are Captain America, Sue Storm, Iron Man and Bruce Banner doing there. Or not there, as the case may be.
This is completely superfluous to anything to do with the whole Age of X storyline and is just a manipulative attempt by Marvel to sell more comics. SHAME ON YOU MARVEL.
I wish I hadn't wasted the money on these.
X-Men Legacy #247
Age of X - Chapter 5
So, it's all a dream. WHAT AN IMMEASURABLE DISAPPOINTMENT.
From a brilliant starting point through and intriguing storyline, we are left with the dross that it was all Moria in Davids mind, sucking in all of Utopia and having her wicked way with them.
What DROSS !
Oh, Mike, what a let down. From such a refreshing, original beginning.
So, it's all a dream. WHAT AN IMMEASURABLE DISAPPOINTMENT.
From a brilliant starting point through and intriguing storyline, we are left with the dross that it was all Moria in Davids mind, sucking in all of Utopia and having her wicked way with them.
What DROSS !
Oh, Mike, what a let down. From such a refreshing, original beginning.
New Mutants #23
Age of X - Chapter4
Yet again a great issue from Mike Carey.
Legacy is on the run with Gambit - apparently killed by Magneto, they are free to investigate the unchartered areas of Fortress X and discover a hidden chamber at the centre of the fortress. Here they find the truth about the world in which they live...
Magneto meanwhile releases Shadowcat and Professor X to help in the discovery of the truth.
Again, I loved the story in this issue, however, it's getting far to close to the "I dreamt it all" scenario....
4/5
Yet again a great issue from Mike Carey.
Legacy is on the run with Gambit - apparently killed by Magneto, they are free to investigate the unchartered areas of Fortress X and discover a hidden chamber at the centre of the fortress. Here they find the truth about the world in which they live...
Magneto meanwhile releases Shadowcat and Professor X to help in the discovery of the truth.
Again, I loved the story in this issue, however, it's getting far to close to the "I dreamt it all" scenario....
4/5
Monday, 23 May 2011
X-Men Legacy #246
Age of X - Chapter 3
Mike Carey, does it again in this issue, with Clay Mann doing excellent pencils (again).
Legacy is on the run from, well, everyone. Having broken into the brig, and finding a comatose professor X, she unleashes a psychic wave over the fortress. Accused of instigating an attack on Fortress X, Legacy goes on the run, hunted by the New Mutants. Gambit helps, but Magneto finds them and buries them under a mound of scrap metal (supposedly) killing them in the process.....
Excellent story by Carey again. Worth the cover price.
Mike Carey, does it again in this issue, with Clay Mann doing excellent pencils (again).
Legacy is on the run from, well, everyone. Having broken into the brig, and finding a comatose professor X, she unleashes a psychic wave over the fortress. Accused of instigating an attack on Fortress X, Legacy goes on the run, hunted by the New Mutants. Gambit helps, but Magneto finds them and buries them under a mound of scrap metal (supposedly) killing them in the process.....
Excellent story by Carey again. Worth the cover price.
Sunday, 22 May 2011
New Mutants #22
Age of X - Chapter 2
So, the story from X-Men Legacy moves on. Carey's story unravels. Art is not as good here - Clay Mann, who did part 1 is not present, but Steve Kurth is - sorry, don't like the art as much. The story is still brilliant so far).
Rogue (Legacy - she drains the powers and psyche's of dying mutants) is investigating the escape and return of Katherine Pryde (no shadowcat here !) from the maximum security cells (no saying why she was in there) who returns with a camera. Rogue views the contents of the camera and breaks in to the cells and discovers Professor X (who she does not know).
It seems that "Danger", called just "X" here (is there more meaning in this title than meets the eye), runs the "fortress" where the mutants strive to survive against a barrage from the humans on the outside. She is also the jailer. Magneto is the "General", but even he doesn't seem to know why some mutants are locked up in the cells.......
Brilliant so far. One of the best spin-off's Marvel have done for a long time (well, that I have read) - 'though, Civil War was pretty good too...... (this is different).
So, the story from X-Men Legacy moves on. Carey's story unravels. Art is not as good here - Clay Mann, who did part 1 is not present, but Steve Kurth is - sorry, don't like the art as much. The story is still brilliant so far).
Rogue (Legacy - she drains the powers and psyche's of dying mutants) is investigating the escape and return of Katherine Pryde (no shadowcat here !) from the maximum security cells (no saying why she was in there) who returns with a camera. Rogue views the contents of the camera and breaks in to the cells and discovers Professor X (who she does not know).
It seems that "Danger", called just "X" here (is there more meaning in this title than meets the eye), runs the "fortress" where the mutants strive to survive against a barrage from the humans on the outside. She is also the jailer. Magneto is the "General", but even he doesn't seem to know why some mutants are locked up in the cells.......
Brilliant so far. One of the best spin-off's Marvel have done for a long time (well, that I have read) - 'though, Civil War was pretty good too...... (this is different).
X-Men Legacy #245
Age Of X - Chapter 1
Well, well, well. Mike Carey, you've really done it this time. What a fresh, interesting look at the X-Men. A complete new (parallel) universe, I guess, with a completely different back-story. But what a set of interesting diversions from the usual X-Men stories.
I'm not going to say much other than "get it, read it, enjoy it" - fabulous story (so far), love the art, love how they have re-written the same characters into the new story reflecting their new backgrounds with their (usual) powers. Brilliant.
Well, well, well. Mike Carey, you've really done it this time. What a fresh, interesting look at the X-Men. A complete new (parallel) universe, I guess, with a completely different back-story. But what a set of interesting diversions from the usual X-Men stories.
I'm not going to say much other than "get it, read it, enjoy it" - fabulous story (so far), love the art, love how they have re-written the same characters into the new story reflecting their new backgrounds with their (usual) powers. Brilliant.
Doctor Who - The Doctors Wife
WOW ! What an episode. BRILLIANT. Neil Gaiman is a genius. It's probably about time that someone got the god of comic book writing has finally got involved with probably the biggest television Science Fiction show of all time. I understand that Stephen Moffat (who oversees the Doctor Who scripts now) did some heavy editing, but still, it was wonderful.
Hey BBC, more like this please.
Hey BBC, more like this please.
Friday, 13 May 2011
Uncanny X-Men #535
Breaking Point - Part One.
Agent Brand, the head of S.W.O.R.D, contacts the X-Men for help as they have detected a ship entering the solar system. The ship is the "Resplendent Celestial Slaughter", the Flagship of the First Breakworld Armada and she thinks that it's coming to do bad stuff to earth.
As Colossus defeated the Powerlord Kruun to free the people, but then turned down the rulership of the world, Brand thinks that it's the X-Men's responsibility to help defeat the warriors from Breakworld. So, the X-Men head out and board the "Slaughter" only to find that Kruun is there, leading some of his people to earth as Political refugees from the factions currently vying for power on their homeworld......
I kind of liked this. It's a new(ish) take on old stories and there was enough suspense in the story to make it a page-turner.
Well done (so far) to Kieron Gillen the writer.
4/5.
Agent Brand, the head of S.W.O.R.D, contacts the X-Men for help as they have detected a ship entering the solar system. The ship is the "Resplendent Celestial Slaughter", the Flagship of the First Breakworld Armada and she thinks that it's coming to do bad stuff to earth.
As Colossus defeated the Powerlord Kruun to free the people, but then turned down the rulership of the world, Brand thinks that it's the X-Men's responsibility to help defeat the warriors from Breakworld. So, the X-Men head out and board the "Slaughter" only to find that Kruun is there, leading some of his people to earth as Political refugees from the factions currently vying for power on their homeworld......
I kind of liked this. It's a new(ish) take on old stories and there was enough suspense in the story to make it a page-turner.
Well done (so far) to Kieron Gillen the writer.
4/5.
Amazing Spiderman #658
Peter Parker: The Fantastic Spider-man.
Still running on the Fantastic Four (or should I say "Future Foundation") I'm already getting bored with this. Dan Slott has reduced Spiderman to a tasteless, disrespectful juvenile and I must say that I don't like it. It is just as if they are writing for The Human Torch, but having the words come from the mouth of Spiderman. Peter Parker is incredibly intelligent (more so that Mr Slott!) as well having an over developed sense of responsibility which seems to have just disappeared in the last two issues (since the FF thread began).
I would also like Marvel to know that I read Spiderman because I like Spiderman and not the Fantastic Four (Future Foundation). Please, please, please get Spiderman back on track and get him out of that ridiculous white and black thing and back into the blue and red.
Most of this issue has been written in a 60's style frame-based layout (for which there is no apparent reason) as well as dragging Spiderman across dimensions and into the year 3,141,592,653 (yes, that is 3 BILLION) - Sorry, who didn't attend their science classes at school - Earth will NOT exist then as the sun will have gone super nova millions of years before !.
All in all leave it totally, I've rarely read such rubbish !
0/5 (yes, ZERO our of five).
Still running on the Fantastic Four (or should I say "Future Foundation") I'm already getting bored with this. Dan Slott has reduced Spiderman to a tasteless, disrespectful juvenile and I must say that I don't like it. It is just as if they are writing for The Human Torch, but having the words come from the mouth of Spiderman. Peter Parker is incredibly intelligent (more so that Mr Slott!) as well having an over developed sense of responsibility which seems to have just disappeared in the last two issues (since the FF thread began).
I would also like Marvel to know that I read Spiderman because I like Spiderman and not the Fantastic Four (Future Foundation). Please, please, please get Spiderman back on track and get him out of that ridiculous white and black thing and back into the blue and red.
Most of this issue has been written in a 60's style frame-based layout (for which there is no apparent reason) as well as dragging Spiderman across dimensions and into the year 3,141,592,653 (yes, that is 3 BILLION) - Sorry, who didn't attend their science classes at school - Earth will NOT exist then as the sun will have gone super nova millions of years before !.
All in all leave it totally, I've rarely read such rubbish !
0/5 (yes, ZERO our of five).
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Fox Rising by Ashley J.Barnard
I really enjoyed "Shadow Fox", the first book in the series, despite a few minor flaws, and I find myself really wanting to like this, the second volume, too. In principle it's a fine story and an enjoyable read, although not quite to the same addictive levels of Shadow Fox, but it's still well put together. There are several "technical" flaws in the story to do with the mechanics of dark/middle ages warfare. Many of these would not be a problem if you know nothing of the mechanics of the era, but I found it a slight distraction to the story.
Once again, Barnard has structured a good, enjoyable story, which I liked and enjoyed reading. However, I found the flawed character of Jared now becoming annoying and instead of liking him and wanting things to turn out well for him (and Tarika and Nathaniel), I'm now beginning to detest his selfish egocentric attitudes and desires. This may be how Barnard wants his character to develop, the (seriously) flawed hero, but I find myself disliking him most of the time now instead of finding him a loveable rogue and I cannot see how Tarika can still have any urge to be near him.
I know I've been more critical here than of the first book. None of it is particularly serious as I guess that most of it is needed for the storyline to proceed how Barnard wants it to.
All in all, a solid story - much better than many on the market and if you like the contemporary/fantasy crossover it's definitely worth reading.
It's certainly worth pursuing if you've read "Shadow Fox".
You can buy it from;
amazon.co.uk and amazon.com
The authors webstite can be found at http://www.ashleyjbarnard.com/
Once again, Barnard has structured a good, enjoyable story, which I liked and enjoyed reading. However, I found the flawed character of Jared now becoming annoying and instead of liking him and wanting things to turn out well for him (and Tarika and Nathaniel), I'm now beginning to detest his selfish egocentric attitudes and desires. This may be how Barnard wants his character to develop, the (seriously) flawed hero, but I find myself disliking him most of the time now instead of finding him a loveable rogue and I cannot see how Tarika can still have any urge to be near him.
I know I've been more critical here than of the first book. None of it is particularly serious as I guess that most of it is needed for the storyline to proceed how Barnard wants it to.
All in all, a solid story - much better than many on the market and if you like the contemporary/fantasy crossover it's definitely worth reading.
It's certainly worth pursuing if you've read "Shadow Fox".
You can buy it from;
amazon.co.uk and amazon.com
The authors webstite can be found at http://www.ashleyjbarnard.com/
Friday, 6 May 2011
Vote 2011: UK says 'no' to alternative vote
So, the people have spoken !
I'm not against political reform and indeed, I would like to see a "fairer" electoral system, but I believe that the AV proposed in this referendum is fundamentally flawed. Only three countries in the world currently use this (or a similar) system - one of them is about to change, and the other (Australia, I believe) enforce a compulsory vote.
So, it looks like the "No" vote is going to win - it's already got over 50% of the vote and it's looking like it's going to finish at about 70/30.
So, Nick Clegg is disappointed, but fair do's to him, he's taking it like a man and saying that if the electorate feel that way, then there is no case to switch. I understand that Milliband wanted AV, but Cameron did not. Generally, the Tories were against and Labour were split down the middle
I suppose I'm glad that we did it - testing the water, but I'm also pleased that we didn't change to AV.
I'm not against political reform and indeed, I would like to see a "fairer" electoral system, but I believe that the AV proposed in this referendum is fundamentally flawed. Only three countries in the world currently use this (or a similar) system - one of them is about to change, and the other (Australia, I believe) enforce a compulsory vote.
So, it looks like the "No" vote is going to win - it's already got over 50% of the vote and it's looking like it's going to finish at about 70/30.
So, Nick Clegg is disappointed, but fair do's to him, he's taking it like a man and saying that if the electorate feel that way, then there is no case to switch. I understand that Milliband wanted AV, but Cameron did not. Generally, the Tories were against and Labour were split down the middle
I suppose I'm glad that we did it - testing the water, but I'm also pleased that we didn't change to AV.
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Batman and Robin #22
Tree of Blood : Dark Knight vs. White Knight. Conclusion
The White Knight isn't a particularly distinctive new creation, and it's hard to keep from feeling like we've somehow read this story before. It's a safe story, not making any mistakes but not blazing into something out of the ordinary or even above average levels of excitement.
This issue concludes the thread where the White Knight is trying to kill every relative of anyone who has ever been incarcerated in Arkham Asylum. It culminates in Arkham itself with the White Knight trying to kill all of the current inmates. In one dialog he tells some of the inmates who he has killed, but says to the Joker "You're the exception, Mister Joker...", "Yes, I always am.", replies Joker. "...I couldn't find any family ties whatsoever to you.", "That's because I've cut them already." Lovely.
It appears that Dr Phosphorous killed his father (who worked in Arkham) to trigger this cascade of revenge and retribution.
Anyway, Batman and Robin arrive to stop him from killing anyone (that I could tell), and in his attempt to escape (using a pair of "wings", Batman throws a baterang to stop him, fuxing the power supply and ultimately fusing the wings to the White Knight.
So, a new super villan foe for the Batman. Not awe inspiring, but a decent read.
3/5
The White Knight isn't a particularly distinctive new creation, and it's hard to keep from feeling like we've somehow read this story before. It's a safe story, not making any mistakes but not blazing into something out of the ordinary or even above average levels of excitement.
This issue concludes the thread where the White Knight is trying to kill every relative of anyone who has ever been incarcerated in Arkham Asylum. It culminates in Arkham itself with the White Knight trying to kill all of the current inmates. In one dialog he tells some of the inmates who he has killed, but says to the Joker "You're the exception, Mister Joker...", "Yes, I always am.", replies Joker. "...I couldn't find any family ties whatsoever to you.", "That's because I've cut them already." Lovely.
It appears that Dr Phosphorous killed his father (who worked in Arkham) to trigger this cascade of revenge and retribution.
Anyway, Batman and Robin arrive to stop him from killing anyone (that I could tell), and in his attempt to escape (using a pair of "wings", Batman throws a baterang to stop him, fuxing the power supply and ultimately fusing the wings to the White Knight.
So, a new super villan foe for the Batman. Not awe inspiring, but a decent read.
3/5
Monday, 2 May 2011
Lineker falls even further behind Charlton ?
I read this article in today's Daily Telegraph and I'm amazed that a news paper of the perceived quality of the DT would allow such tripe from someone who is obviously desperate to find something to write about. How can this guy "Jonathan Liew" claim to be a football writer if he writes this utter crap.
Who cares if Lineker is making a fortune selling crisps he's looking after his financial interests. At least he's not dating a porn star, or sleeping with hookers (or even selling alcohol, Mr Charlton !).
And for the record Mr Liew, Lineker scored his 48 goals in 80 appearances, whereas Charlton took 106 to get his 49. Lineker has a far superior scoring record. He was also a far superior footballer, playing in an era when there was sufficiently more competition for places. Why do you have an axe to grind against Lineker.
Just for the record, I'm not a great lover of the Walkers Crisps advert, but if they want to pay him a small fortune to promote their product, then more fool them.
I for one won't be reading his articles in the paper again, and am seriously considering cancelling my subscription to the Daily Telegraph.....
Who cares if Lineker is making a fortune selling crisps he's looking after his financial interests. At least he's not dating a porn star, or sleeping with hookers (or even selling alcohol, Mr Charlton !).
And for the record Mr Liew, Lineker scored his 48 goals in 80 appearances, whereas Charlton took 106 to get his 49. Lineker has a far superior scoring record. He was also a far superior footballer, playing in an era when there was sufficiently more competition for places. Why do you have an axe to grind against Lineker.
Just for the record, I'm not a great lover of the Walkers Crisps advert, but if they want to pay him a small fortune to promote their product, then more fool them.
I for one won't be reading his articles in the paper again, and am seriously considering cancelling my subscription to the Daily Telegraph.....
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Batman Incorporated #4
Generally I like Grant Morrison's story telling. Unfortunately, he often struggles to tie things together and I think this issue suffers a little for it. I'm not going into the details, but there are so many threads trailing all over the place, that it's a struggle to concentrate and follow many of them let alone them all.
I'm not even sure how long I'll keep reading this title as it's failing to really deliver in my eyes.....
2/5
I'm not even sure how long I'll keep reading this title as it's failing to really deliver in my eyes.....
2/5
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Thor
I went to see Thor today with my ten-year-old son. I'm not a fan of 3D, I believe the celluloid should be 2D and I still don't want it any other way. I know that they aren't recorded onto celluloid any more, but I really don't care - 2D only for me. The only showing at my local cinema for 2D was as 12:00 noon, one showing per day. 3D, about 8 showings per day. And they charge you £2 more to see it in 3D, when it costs no more to show it in that format.
Anyway, enough about my rant against 3D movies.
All in all, I enjoyed this immensely. Anthony Hopkins as Odin was brilliant, as always and really shows up the other actors as his talent is stratospheric in comparison to anyone else around him. Chris Hemsworth as Thor was very good as was Natalie Portman as Jane Foster. Most of the other actors was fine and fulfilled their roles adequately.
I'm not totally sure of the role Loki (Tom Hiddleston) was meant to play - why do the American movie makers always seem to cast English people as the villans - as he didn't really come across as sufficiently mischievous for my tastes and his evil only really showed right at the end - I think a more subtle unraveling of his nature would have served better. However, that said, it didn't really detract too much.
The only remaining question is how will Thor get back to Earth now that the rainbow bridge has been destroyed.....
Hmmm, yes, I liked this very much and it looks like Kenneth Branagh did a good job on it. Can't wait for Captain America now and then The Avengers next year.....not forgetting the X-Men First Class in June too.
8/10
Anyway, enough about my rant against 3D movies.
All in all, I enjoyed this immensely. Anthony Hopkins as Odin was brilliant, as always and really shows up the other actors as his talent is stratospheric in comparison to anyone else around him. Chris Hemsworth as Thor was very good as was Natalie Portman as Jane Foster. Most of the other actors was fine and fulfilled their roles adequately.
I'm not totally sure of the role Loki (Tom Hiddleston) was meant to play - why do the American movie makers always seem to cast English people as the villans - as he didn't really come across as sufficiently mischievous for my tastes and his evil only really showed right at the end - I think a more subtle unraveling of his nature would have served better. However, that said, it didn't really detract too much.
The only remaining question is how will Thor get back to Earth now that the rainbow bridge has been destroyed.....
Hmmm, yes, I liked this very much and it looks like Kenneth Branagh did a good job on it. Can't wait for Captain America now and then The Avengers next year.....not forgetting the X-Men First Class in June too.
8/10
Monday, 25 April 2011
Uncanny X-Men #654.1
This is one of the special "Point One", jumping on titles and is an introduction to the Uncanny X-Men for new readers.
The story is told from a slightly different aspect as Kate Kildare (the X-Men's Public Relations Specialist) is bringing a freelance photographer to Utopia to take some portraits of the X-Men.
The story is a bit weak, but the nub of it is that some Hydra agents impersonating A.I.M. operatives have blackmailed businesses into believing that they will detonate a device to cause an earthquake down the Western seaboard if they do not pay. The X-Men investigate and aprehend these villans and Magneto is given a fantastic opportunity to save they day by minimising the earthquakes effects using his unique abilities, saving the day and getting some unbeatable good PR to boot.
All in all a satisfactory issue with some good bits and some poor bits, but it is a "Point One" issue, so we'll see where it goes from here.
3/5
The story is told from a slightly different aspect as Kate Kildare (the X-Men's Public Relations Specialist) is bringing a freelance photographer to Utopia to take some portraits of the X-Men.
The story is a bit weak, but the nub of it is that some Hydra agents impersonating A.I.M. operatives have blackmailed businesses into believing that they will detonate a device to cause an earthquake down the Western seaboard if they do not pay. The X-Men investigate and aprehend these villans and Magneto is given a fantastic opportunity to save they day by minimising the earthquakes effects using his unique abilities, saving the day and getting some unbeatable good PR to boot.
All in all a satisfactory issue with some good bits and some poor bits, but it is a "Point One" issue, so we'll see where it goes from here.
3/5
Fox Rising by Ashley J.Barnard
Generally a pleasing read. Like "Shadow Fox", it has an easily read style and most of the content is good. I would say, this seems a little slower in pace and there is some inaccurate "historical" information, but it's still a very enjoyable read.
It's certainly worth pursuing if you've read "Shadow Fox".
Currently only available as an e-book.
It's certainly worth pursuing if you've read "Shadow Fox".
Currently only available as an e-book.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Aviva Premiership - Saracens 35 - 15 Gloucester
Wow, what an excellent game of Rugby.
I took the whole family to a day out at the Saracens tie versus Gloucester. Saracens currently in second place in the league and Gloucester in third, certainly made this a tie to get the juices flowing, and we weren't disappointed. I suspect the Gloucester fans were, however. We were treated to a fairly one sided affair where Saracens seemed to control most of the possession and Gloucester scored two break-away tries in what was ultimately an unexpectedly one-sided affair.
Gloucester were disappointing in their lack of pace, imagination and work ethic considering their recent successes in the league and does not bode well for their most likely semi-final against Saracens here on May 15th.....
I took the whole family to a day out at the Saracens tie versus Gloucester. Saracens currently in second place in the league and Gloucester in third, certainly made this a tie to get the juices flowing, and we weren't disappointed. I suspect the Gloucester fans were, however. We were treated to a fairly one sided affair where Saracens seemed to control most of the possession and Gloucester scored two break-away tries in what was ultimately an unexpectedly one-sided affair.
Gloucester were disappointing in their lack of pace, imagination and work ethic considering their recent successes in the league and does not bode well for their most likely semi-final against Saracens here on May 15th.....
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Amazon Kindle
Last week I bought myself a Kindle. (3rd edition I think). I read Shadow Fox by Ashley J.Barnard (note - on the amazon.co.uk site, her name is listed a "Ashley Barnard" for this book) on Kindle for iPhone and I was surprised how well it worked - I'd always thought the small screen would negatively affect the experience, but it didn't seem to.
Anyway, when Fox Rising (listed on amazon.co.uk as Ashley J.Barnard) came out, I decided to throw myself fully into the experience and buy a Kindle and read it on that.
Well, I must say that generally, I am impressed. Being an iPhone user, it's a little frustrating that you can "swipe" the screen to turn pages, but this is a minor issue that I soon adjusted to. The only other thing I'm not a great fan of is the fact that there are no numbers on the keypad. To get numbers, you have to use the symbol menu. Again, a minor thing, but a little annoying.
That said, I'm enjoying using it. It can sync your position in a book back to the Kindle.com server so that when you switch devices it updates your other device with your current position (you can choose not to accept the new position and carry on where you were), but they work well together. The kindle (and kindle apps) record your position using an arbitrary numbering system (which may be paragraph numbering, but I'm not yet certain), so it doesn't matter about the screen size you're reading on as it syncs the location and not page number.
Also, when you buy the kindle, Amazon give you an email address (usually yourname@kindle.com) which is editable, so you can email PDF's etc to the device. The zooming functions for A4 PDF's isn't brilliant, but it's acceptible you'd be better off re-PDFing the document in a smaller page format for the best effect.
My only concern is the number of books that are being published on the Kindle (or lack of). Many mainstream books are still not available on the Kindle - is this because of the contractual hold that the publishers have over the authors ? I noticed that some books actually cost more (on Amazon) for the kindle than for the printed book. I appreciate that the authors get more return on ebooks, but do they need to maintain the same (or higher) pricing for them. At least the smaller, lesser known authors are getting an opportunity to get something out there at a minimal cost.
Anyway, when Fox Rising (listed on amazon.co.uk as Ashley J.Barnard) came out, I decided to throw myself fully into the experience and buy a Kindle and read it on that.
Well, I must say that generally, I am impressed. Being an iPhone user, it's a little frustrating that you can "swipe" the screen to turn pages, but this is a minor issue that I soon adjusted to. The only other thing I'm not a great fan of is the fact that there are no numbers on the keypad. To get numbers, you have to use the symbol menu. Again, a minor thing, but a little annoying.
That said, I'm enjoying using it. It can sync your position in a book back to the Kindle.com server so that when you switch devices it updates your other device with your current position (you can choose not to accept the new position and carry on where you were), but they work well together. The kindle (and kindle apps) record your position using an arbitrary numbering system (which may be paragraph numbering, but I'm not yet certain), so it doesn't matter about the screen size you're reading on as it syncs the location and not page number.
Also, when you buy the kindle, Amazon give you an email address (usually yourname@kindle.com) which is editable, so you can email PDF's etc to the device. The zooming functions for A4 PDF's isn't brilliant, but it's acceptible you'd be better off re-PDFing the document in a smaller page format for the best effect.
My only concern is the number of books that are being published on the Kindle (or lack of). Many mainstream books are still not available on the Kindle - is this because of the contractual hold that the publishers have over the authors ? I noticed that some books actually cost more (on Amazon) for the kindle than for the printed book. I appreciate that the authors get more return on ebooks, but do they need to maintain the same (or higher) pricing for them. At least the smaller, lesser known authors are getting an opportunity to get something out there at a minimal cost.
Batman: The Dark Knight #2
Golden Dawn, Part Two
On the trail of Dawn Golden, Batman has been caught searching the offices of the Iceberg Lounge by the Penguin. In a fit of rage, Batman breaks both of Penguin's legs and one of his arms before Killer Croc arrives and incapacitates him, knocking him unconscious. Meanwhile Commissioner Gordon discovers that Mayor Hady has put Forbes (the "New Guy") in charge of the Dawn Golden Case.
Outside the Iceberg Lounge a punk kid cracks the security on the Batmobile and takes it for a joy-ride. Manny tells his friends that he's planning to leave, before what happened to King, happens to him. In Jason Blood's apartment, he transforms into Etrigan !
Batman wakes in a large domed building strapped to explosives. Croc is there and Penguin tells him via video-link that Croc will kill him and that the explosives are linked to his heart rate.
The final page shows Manny being hunted down by.....
I liked this (bit far fetched stealing the Batmobile), as the story progressed and the art is lovely, very atmospheric.
On the trail of Dawn Golden, Batman has been caught searching the offices of the Iceberg Lounge by the Penguin. In a fit of rage, Batman breaks both of Penguin's legs and one of his arms before Killer Croc arrives and incapacitates him, knocking him unconscious. Meanwhile Commissioner Gordon discovers that Mayor Hady has put Forbes (the "New Guy") in charge of the Dawn Golden Case.
Outside the Iceberg Lounge a punk kid cracks the security on the Batmobile and takes it for a joy-ride. Manny tells his friends that he's planning to leave, before what happened to King, happens to him. In Jason Blood's apartment, he transforms into Etrigan !
Batman wakes in a large domed building strapped to explosives. Croc is there and Penguin tells him via video-link that Croc will kill him and that the explosives are linked to his heart rate.
The final page shows Manny being hunted down by.....
I liked this (bit far fetched stealing the Batmobile), as the story progressed and the art is lovely, very atmospheric.
Monday, 18 April 2011
Batman #708
Judgment on Gotham Part One, One Good Man
Dick Grayson (the Gotham Batman) is still troubled by a gunshot wound through his chest and out is back. The bruising around the wound is changing (into a bat-like shape). This causes memories of his treatment by Azrael and his Sword of Sin. Shortly afterwards, he goes to Devils Square where an Azrael-like figure "Crusader" is reigning fire upon the "sinners". He arrives with Cat Woman (Selina Kyle) and Red Robin (Tim Drake) and they all assault this figure. Batman and Red Robin set about Crusader while Catwoman helps save the life of a baby of a prostitute in a burning building. Just as Crusader is about to seriously harm Batman, Azrael appears and orders Crusader to stop.
Crusader and Azrael claim that the three "heroes" were summoned to face Judgement and gives them (and Gotham) 24 hours to find "one good man" or the whole city will burn. The three object, instead choosing to take them down at which Crusader activates some kind of flash grenade and he and Azrael disappear. Catwoman and Robin think that Batman should call in "the big guns", but Dick says they have 24 hours......
Meanwhile, Ra's Al Ghul has Hans Gerlicht, a Scientist of the Order of Purity bombarding a super, called "Fireball" with several terawatts of power priming him as a living bomb.
So, what is Ghul planning for Gotham and how are Azrael and Crusader involved. I guess we'll find out next issue.
As usual with Batman, I'm not quite sure where this one is going, but it will probably have some nice twists in it. Not a classic story by usual standards, but we'll see how it shapes up.
Dick Grayson (the Gotham Batman) is still troubled by a gunshot wound through his chest and out is back. The bruising around the wound is changing (into a bat-like shape). This causes memories of his treatment by Azrael and his Sword of Sin. Shortly afterwards, he goes to Devils Square where an Azrael-like figure "Crusader" is reigning fire upon the "sinners". He arrives with Cat Woman (Selina Kyle) and Red Robin (Tim Drake) and they all assault this figure. Batman and Red Robin set about Crusader while Catwoman helps save the life of a baby of a prostitute in a burning building. Just as Crusader is about to seriously harm Batman, Azrael appears and orders Crusader to stop.
Crusader and Azrael claim that the three "heroes" were summoned to face Judgement and gives them (and Gotham) 24 hours to find "one good man" or the whole city will burn. The three object, instead choosing to take them down at which Crusader activates some kind of flash grenade and he and Azrael disappear. Catwoman and Robin think that Batman should call in "the big guns", but Dick says they have 24 hours......
Meanwhile, Ra's Al Ghul has Hans Gerlicht, a Scientist of the Order of Purity bombarding a super, called "Fireball" with several terawatts of power priming him as a living bomb.
So, what is Ghul planning for Gotham and how are Azrael and Crusader involved. I guess we'll find out next issue.
As usual with Batman, I'm not quite sure where this one is going, but it will probably have some nice twists in it. Not a classic story by usual standards, but we'll see how it shapes up.
Shadow Fox by Ashley J.Barnard
Jared Bruin doesn’t know who he is. He remembers nothing of his early childhood before the age of seven when he was abandoned in a park in St. Louis, left in an unfamiliar world that terrified him. He knows only that he is driven to learn everything he can about swordplay and sixteenth-century combat.
Almost twenty years later, as he is battling a heroin addiction, suicidal tendencies and a violent affliction he doesn't understand, he is hired to teach swordplay to an enigmatic woman with secrets of her own, who somehow provides a link to his past.
Then a missing journal arrives that provides many answers to Jared’s past, and in it another world is revealed, one of a Goddess, prophecies, elves, a devastating love triangle, and a war in desperate need of a hero.
Shadow Fox is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is written in an easily read style and Barnard keeps the pace pounding along throughout most of the book. Jared's character is especially well developed - a troubled, tortured, self-destructive soul, displaced from the world around him, trying to find any way to get through life, never really fitting in with anyone or anything, searching for who (or what) he is. His deeply flawed character is really well developed and thoroughly believable (especially when you find out who/what he is, later in the book).
The plot develops slowly at first, slowly gaining pace through the chapters until it all comes to a head at the end, and finally we understand what everything means and how it all hangs together.
I read this on "kindle for the iPhone" (and it's my first ebook) and found that I was sneaking out my phone and reading a few pages every spare moment that came about. I was very disappointed when I got to the end as I wanted more and it ends so abruptly - ready for book 2 of the trilogy.
A really good first novel and I am greatly looking forward to the next installment. Well done Ashley.
You can buy it from;
amazon.co.uk and amazon.com
The authors webstite can be found at http://www.ashleyjbarnard.com/
Almost twenty years later, as he is battling a heroin addiction, suicidal tendencies and a violent affliction he doesn't understand, he is hired to teach swordplay to an enigmatic woman with secrets of her own, who somehow provides a link to his past.
Then a missing journal arrives that provides many answers to Jared’s past, and in it another world is revealed, one of a Goddess, prophecies, elves, a devastating love triangle, and a war in desperate need of a hero.
From the book description.
Shadow Fox is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is written in an easily read style and Barnard keeps the pace pounding along throughout most of the book. Jared's character is especially well developed - a troubled, tortured, self-destructive soul, displaced from the world around him, trying to find any way to get through life, never really fitting in with anyone or anything, searching for who (or what) he is. His deeply flawed character is really well developed and thoroughly believable (especially when you find out who/what he is, later in the book).
The plot develops slowly at first, slowly gaining pace through the chapters until it all comes to a head at the end, and finally we understand what everything means and how it all hangs together.
I read this on "kindle for the iPhone" (and it's my first ebook) and found that I was sneaking out my phone and reading a few pages every spare moment that came about. I was very disappointed when I got to the end as I wanted more and it ends so abruptly - ready for book 2 of the trilogy.
A really good first novel and I am greatly looking forward to the next installment. Well done Ashley.
You can buy it from;
amazon.co.uk and amazon.com
The authors webstite can be found at http://www.ashleyjbarnard.com/
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Amazing Spiderman #657
Torch Song
So, Johnny Storm of the FF is dead. Spidey goes to see Reed, Sue and Ben and the reminisce in a fairly lame, typically comic-book flashback (reprint) kind of style. At the end Reed plays the end of Johnny's holo-message/will only to be invited (by Johnny) to take his place on the team.
All-in-all I thought this was a pretty lame issue and did not deal with the death of a very close friend particularly well.
I can't believe that Marvel would charge $3.99 for this drivel. Save your money and give it a miss.
So, Johnny Storm of the FF is dead. Spidey goes to see Reed, Sue and Ben and the reminisce in a fairly lame, typically comic-book flashback (reprint) kind of style. At the end Reed plays the end of Johnny's holo-message/will only to be invited (by Johnny) to take his place on the team.
All-in-all I thought this was a pretty lame issue and did not deal with the death of a very close friend particularly well.
I can't believe that Marvel would charge $3.99 for this drivel. Save your money and give it a miss.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
The Fallen Herald by Simon P.Edwards
Thorn and Alazla are promising students, and have little more on their minds than enjoying life, that is until Thorn witnesses the murder of an Avatar, herald to one of the nine gods.
Unknown to Thorn, the seed of the fallen herald takes root in him. Hidden forces seeking to overthrow the pantheon of gods capture Thorn, as Alazla can only watch, utterly helpless.Thorn is carried to the secret realm of the immortals, the capricious children of the gods, where they seek to twist Thorn and use him to free them from their imprisonment.
Distraught and enraged at losing his life-long friend, Alazla sets out to find Thorn and confront the immense forces that hold him, with just the strength of his own frail mortality.
From the book description.
This book is an excellent read and I would recommend it. I'm not going to spoil the plot - let's just say, it's a classic "epic fantasy", but the nice "twist" is that it does some of it in largely new and unexpected ways. The world is present, but is primarily in the background, as it is the characters and their motivations that take precedence and this has been done pleasingly well. The characterisations are strong and well rounded, and it is these characters that drive the story line along. The writing style is direct and conservative, and you always feel that the story is moving along at pace - this does not detract however from the story in any way - it is complete and consistent throughout. Something that I really liked was the original mechanics of magic in the story, but you'll have to read it to find out more....
You can buy it from;
amazon.co.uk and amazon.com
It is not currently available in e-book format.
The authors webstite can be found here
www.simonpedwards.co.uk or at www.thefallenherald.com
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