At first I felt a little disappointed having apparently only finished three books over the first three months of the year, but I guess, that could also be attributed to the sheer amount of comics I've been reading, too, as well as not really reading a whole lot outside my lunch hour. I'm going to try to get more actual books read like I used to but, well based on how much reading I did in April, it probably won't be a big change.
The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
They've watched friends and family slaughtered by crazed lunatics, been stalked on school campuses and camp grounds, and in the end they killed the monster. They're nicknamed "Final Girl"s by the public as they are taken on tour to recount their horrors and movies are made of their ordeals. But what happens after the terror fades and the public loses interest in their harrowing tales? Lynnette Tarkington is one such "Final Girl," having witnessed the brutal murder of her family by an axe-wielding Santa Claus. Together with other Final Girls, they meet in a small, secretive support group out of the public eye. Then, one of their own is killed, the others are attacked, and Lynnette discovers someone has targeted their group. Because if being a Final Girl means one thing, it's that the past never stays dead, and the monsters always come back for you. Being a Final Girls though also means that you never stop fighting, because, after all, you're the one that survived.
It's been a while since I've been as excited to read a new book (probably also because it's been a while since I've actually read a new book by an author I'd never read before). So, I don't remember when I heard about this book, but once the paperback was released, I remember searching Barnes and Nobles a couple times last year until I finally found it. Then it sat with my other "To Be Read" books as I spent the last part of 2022 reading comic books, refreshing myself with the "Fables" storyline mostly. Eventually, I got around to it, and it did not disappoint.
Taking the slasher films from the 1980s and 1990s (Halloween, Friday the 13th, Scream, Nightmare on Elm Street) as well as real-life events, the book focuses on the women that survive and how they've each dealt with the trauma. There's also an interesting bit comparing those types of killings to the mass shootings experienced in modern society. The story provides a compelling mystery about who might be the one stalking the women this time, especially combined with Lynnette's hyper-vigilance and paranoia and suspicions. It is Lynnette's mental condition that keeps the story moving at a fast pace as it forces her to be over-alert and aware, keeping the reader "right there," in the moment, even when she is simply recalling information from the past. A great read for a horror reader, especially one that's a fan of the Slasher genre.
Happy Go Lucky by David Sedaris
So much has happened over the last couple of years: the Biden/Trump election, the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns which followed, the fracturing of America, school shootings, severe storms and hurricanes and the destruction of homes - down to the more personal matters like fights over face-masks, aging and the changes that follow all the way to the death of family members. To all of this David Sedaris returns with his witty storytelling and observations to comment on all of it.
David Sedaris brings his witty (and, at times, dark) but always very real observational humor to the post-pandemic age, remarking on the pandemic, gun culture in America, and the Biden/Trump elections and presidencies. In his own life, he talks about the last days of his father's life until his passing, and its impact on the rest of the Sedaris family, and on life in lockdown without his usual touring and readings. If you've never read any of Sedaris' work (or any other sort of humor memoir) it's someone telling you a story about one thing but inserting little jabs or tangents here and there so you're not just listening to someone explain one thing but giving it to you with their own insights and even other other relevant stories mixed in. It's these jokes and connections that keep the story moving and kept my attention, and always with at least a small grin or smirk on my face - especially when reading comments similar to ones I've said aloud, much to the disappointment of those around me. Compared to the Sedaris' Calypso I'd say this one perhaps didn't get as dark as some of the stories in that book but perhaps that's because I just happened to live through much of the same time period as he talks about in this book.
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
Carolyn and her "siblings" used to be Americans, enjoying what all American kids enjoy, like basketball games and cookouts. When their parents are killed as collateral damage in a failed assassination attempt against a man who may or may not be God, the children are adopted by the mysterious man and taken into his realm, The Library. There, they are raised and trained as Librarians, each one selected to study a particular collection of tomes that make up a portion of their new Father's power and knowledge. Now their father is missing and someone has shut them all out of The Library seeking to take its power and knowledge for themselves. Steve is just a normal guy looking to enjoy a beer when Carolyn approaches him with a not-so-legal job offer and a duffel bag full of cash. He is then pulled into an adventure involving supernatural forces, a pair of lions, the President of the United States, and a killer in a blood-stained tutu.
I guess, if I had to guess, this story would fall under "speculative fiction" as it imagines a version of "God" that has a sort-of absolute power within our universe as well as seeks to train apprentices. I'm really not sure how else to describe it (it took me forever just to figure out how to write that short teaser). The story itself is wild (as it should be when it involves a man who could be God), featuring a unique cast of characters from Carolyn's siblings (each with their own quirks like Michael who relates more to animals than humans thanks to his studies), to a pair of lions named after bombs, and even beings who are only named and not shown, such as a sentient iceberg.
The story itself jumps around in time, going from present-day back to proving background stories for the main characters such as the training Carolyn and her siblings endured. Though backstory scenes tend to take me out of the flow of the story, these are really well done, providing not only the necessary information to understand the present but also gives it with that little extra that adds to the entertainment. One critique I read in regards to this book is the shift the story takes roughly halfway though, as if it could be split into two separate stories. While somewhat true, doing so, I think, would do a disservice to the story as a whole: selecting a new god isn't easy, nor is becoming one, so it's important to see not only how one attains god-hood but also how hard it is to adjust once one gets it.
The Magic Order #3 by Mark Millar
The Magic Order exists simply to protect humanity from the monsters that once ruled the world using their magical abilities to keep those creatures at bay. As powerful as any member may be, they are NOT allowed to use their powers for their own personal gain. As the head of The Magic Order, when one of their own is accused of breaching this rule, Cordelia Moonstone sets out to Asia to investigate the matter.
Another great story from Mark Millar, this one an urban fantasy story of magic users in modern days. Just to get it out of the way, I like the artwork. As I've said in many other comic/graphic novel reviews, I'm not an artist, I know nothing about art despite having taken one drawing class in college so I'm not one to judge artwork except to say, "I like it." But back to the story. Along with the main story of Cordelia investigating a rumor that a wizard is breaking one of their most sacred rules, there are also two other side stories going on simultaneously. One of those is the former head of The Magic Order, Leonard Moonstone, seeking out his wife-in-hiding to inform her of their son's death (see Volume 1). The other is one of their own following his intuition regarding Cordelia's niece's return from the dead and her growing powers which rival full members of The Magic Order.
The story's overall theme this time focuses on the personal gain of the magicians themselves. As a rule, they aren't allowed to use magic for their own gain, resorting to some living worse off than others though their powers should allow otherwise. In this collection, we see some within The Magic Order aren't quite following those rules, as well as the consequences for breaking the rules.
Another of my favorite things about this series (which I probably mentioned before) is the magic. Yes, I know it's a book about magicians so of course there is going to be magic. Yet, in many other stories and shows and movies, when it comes time for the final duel, the combatants are just slinging "magical light" at each other. "The Magic Order" says "fuck that" as the magicians use actual spells on each other such as one that splits a man in half and other that literally "unbirths" you.
Batman Vs Bigby! A Wolf in Gotham by Bill Willingham
Mauled corpses, victims of a great beast, lie scattered throughout Gotham City. The Dark Knight detective, Batman, is on the prowl in search of a monster, while Bigby Wolf, the Big Bad Wolf of fable and legend lurks right behind. Meanwhile, a hidden villain searches the city for a rare and valuable book of great power. The two heroes will need to work together to put an end to the villain's scheme to harness a power never before seen in Gotham.
A while back, DC Comics acquired Vertigo Comics which published the Fables comics series (you know, the one I spent the last part of last year reading). I'm guessing not wanting to waste their new acquisition, DC decided to have a crossover event between the two detectives, Batman and Bigby Wolf. Not knowing a lot about the Batman timeline, I can only say the story at least takes place after Fables 151 (not sure about the new issues being released now). It's just your basic "stop the bad guy, find the artifact" caper story, though I did enjoy the Big Bad Evil Guy twist at the end. The only fault I could find (being petty) is that I understood everyone saying, "Batman with prep time beats everyone" but no way does he survive going toe-to-toe with Bigby, The Big Bad Wolf, Sheriff of Fabletown, Son of the North Wind, God of Wolves.
As mentioned previously, I started again with comic books last year and decided to add them into my reviews. Just so I have something to write about (because comics are simply short chapters of a whole), and to see if I'm even interested in the series (because comics are also expensive), I typically give them the "3 issue" rule - kind of like the "3 chapter" or "3 episode" rule where you give whatever piece of media you're consuming three chances to hook you in. There have been several that I got through one or two issues and just lost interest so I won't be including those here. I guess just for some sort of order, I'll include them by those that have either finished or at least the current arc is finished, then the ones that are still going.
COMPLETED:
White Savior (Vol #1-4) by Eric Nguyen and Scott Burman
Todd Parker is simply an average guy trying to chase down a pickpocket when he is sent back in time to feudal Japan, the age of shoguns and samurai. More specifically, though, to the time his grandfather told him stories about - the moment when clan put their trust in an American captain, believing him to lead them to victory against their rival clan as their White Savior only to be instead lead to their deaths. Todd will need to team up with the thief (who also happened to be transported from the present as well) to save the villagers from, well, from themselves. A fun play on the "White Savior" trope, this comic was just a fun, satirical ride from start to finish. Beside Todd simply trying to survive in a time he knows nothing about and is really not prepared for, I really like the meta-editor notes sprinkled throughout the story, typically just boxes of text with humorous comments about either the situation or even the comic book itself.
Eight Billion Genies (Vol #1-8) by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne
The bartender recounts the life he spent as a human in the search for the perfect wish. More information on the nature of the genies and their relationship with humanity if given. And, finally, it all comes down to the final two wishes left on Earth that will decide the fate of the planet. This was such an interesting and fun ride on just the simple idea of "what if everyone on the planet was given one wish?" I'm really glad I started on this series late (picked up the first five issues at once) or it would've been agony constantly waiting for each issues to be released. I really liked this idea and especially the creative ways the genies were used later on in the story. Of course, almost everyone who uses their wish at the beginning is typically going to burn it on something that gives them some sort of instant gratification but it's the ones that hold onto their wishes with a plan in mind that are the most dangerous and to be watched and wary of.
I Hate Fairyland (Vol #1-5) by Skottie Young
Gert, along with her traveling companions conclude their trek through what passes as Fairyland's version of an underworld - traversing a labyrinth, being eaten alive, completing side quests - and have finally arrived in Fairyland proper only to find that not only is their ultra-rich financer's son already back from his trip to Fairyland but also that he no longer wants to open a Fairyland theme-park. So, once again, Gert is out of luck and stranded in Fairyland, though this time not as an invited guest. A great series with a bunch of over-the-top characters and equally over-the-top violence, it's been a fun return to Fairyland especially after Gert's initial escape from Fairyland as a child.
Art Brut (Vol #1-4) by W. Maxwell Prince and Martin Morazzo and Mat Lopes
When patrons discover the Mona Lisa now winking back at them, the Bureau of Artistic Integrity - a government agency tasked with investigating art-related anomalies - is called to investigate. For this particular case, however, they'll need to bring in the Dreampainter, Art Brut. Although he may appear insane, it's actually because he's one of the few who has traveled into "The World Behind the Canvas" where, just one the otherside of the painting, the world captured by the artist feels even more real and alive compared to our own. Along with the director of the BAI, Art Brut sets out against a mysterious artistic cabal not only able to influence the world with their art but whose very symbol can cause illness, madness to the point that its viewers take their own lives, or those of others. An interesting premise (if you can't tell by now, I'm a sucker for a lot of the weird stuff) with unique characters thoughout. This first part appears to have wrapped up, though I also haven't heard anything yet about another story arc, or even another issue, being planned.
Killchella (Vol #1-4) by Mario Candelaria
A reclusive popstar sends a mysterious song to her followers, one that subtly urges them to kill someone before her return to the public eye at a music festival. At the same time, a group of friends set out to the concert, unbeknownst to them what is really going on. This one I'm pretty sure completed after the four-issue run. I was intrigued by the idea of a sort-of cult leader using social media to not only gain followers but also lead them to killing someone as a way to show their love and loyalty. Unfortunately (and I'm not sure if it was intentional or because the writer was constrained to just four issues) the ending was lackluster - one of those where though the main villain is gone a potential acolyte has taken up the mantle to lead the followers who are still out in the world. I don't know, maybe it's just that I don't like those types of endings, even in these horror-type stories which a writer can use to set up future sequels. I'd just rather have it wrap up a lot neater.
All Against All (Vol #1-5) by Alex Paknadel
In the far future, a race of ever-adapting aliens known as "The Operators" seek out different species and take their best traits to improve their own civilizations by spicing together new organic exo-suits from the collected materials. At the edge of their ever expanding empire is a war that has momentarily stalled. Seeking further enhancements in orbit above a dead Earth, they've replicated not only the ancient habitat but the savage creatures that once thrived there. In their haste to secure new material for their bodies, they'll severely underestimate one apex predator in particular - a dire mistake for everyone on board. One of the few sci-fi stories I've picked up, but I liked it for the idea (an idea which Reddit Writing Prompts also seems to love): that there is simply something special about humans. Called "Helpless" by his captors, the lone surviving human is viewed more as a curiosity or trinket than something dangerous. However, once the Operators enter the chamber they find for themselves how dangerous Helpless can be.
Briar (Vol #1-4) by Christoper Cantwell
A re-imagining of the classic "Sleeping Beauty" tale with the twist that Prince Charming decided NOT to wake Briar with his kiss but instead simply took the kingdom through marriage. Briar awakens far, far into the future - her kingdom already in ruins and nearly forgotten - by the chance kiss of a plunderer who happened to be scavenging the area. Briar must now survive in a ruthless new world. After "Fables" I'm sort of a sucker for Re-imagined Fairytales, especially when they're set in a grittier, darker new reality. I was hooked from the first couple of pages, seeing Briar's corpse-like body re-animated and seeing her sort-of new self (I mean she was a teenager when she pricked her finger and fell asleep) navigating this new world.
Inferno Girl Red (Vol #1-3) by Eric D'Urso and Matt Groom
Attending a new school can be hard when you're the new kid in a school designed to challenge even the most outstanding of students, but life gets even harder for Cassia Costa when the school and part of the surrounding city are taken hostage by an evil shadow organization. Cassia finds herself thrust into the fray when a mysterious amulet attaches itself to her, transforming her into the missing hero, Inferno Girl Red. With her new powers and some help from those around her, she'll work to save the city. Apparently part of another, ongoing superhero universe (not DC or Marvel), I picked up the first volume because it was a new superhero story that I didn't need to know a whole bunch of previous lore to understand. I stuck with it because of how reluctant Cassia appeared to be when assuming the new role as the city's guardian. But then she took up the mantle pretty quickly after that, which I guess is bound to happen when the bad guy threatens your family and friends. Anyway, the first arc is wrapped up in three volumes, though I'm not sure if I'm going to continue when the new ones are released.
Least We Can Do (Vol #1-6) by Iolanda Zanfardino
The first arc wraps up with Uriel not only being finally able to harness the power of her Medium but also confessing her love to Samael whom she became infatuated with earlier in the series despite their rocky start. The rebels manage to strike a defiant blow against the evil empire with the theft of a trunk of Medium as well as the disarming of one of their top fighters. As interesting as I was in the magic system, I don't think I'm going to continue with this one as I definitely feel like it's a story I've heard many times before (and my weekly comic book purchases are starting to get a little pricey).
Ongoing:
Nemesis (Vol #1-4) by Mark Millar
Nemesis returns in a rebooted version (or perhaps just a new version donning the signature white suit and cowl?) set on driving the city into chaos and taking revenge on the police officers who put his parents behind bars or in the ground. After how successful the original comic run was, Mark Millar decided to bring back the character for a new story. If you don't know, Nemesis is basically an evil version of DC's Batman - a normal man trained physically and mentally to the limits a human body can reach and armed with numerous gadgets and weapons. I really enjoyed the original, and this one is just as good, perhaps even surpassing it.
Night Club (Vol #1-4) by Mark Millar
What would you do if you suddenly became a vampire? That's exactly what happened to Danny Garcia after a stunt accident nearly kills him. After an initial training period, Danny convinces his two high-school friends into making the change too. Together, they'll begin to seek fame with viral videos of their stunts and actions, though the reality of the new world they've become a part of is about to make itself known. Anther new series from Mark Millar, I'll admit one of the biggest reasons I picked up this series was because of the Millar's name as well as the $1.99 cover price as most Marvel and DC titles are sold around $3.99-$5.99 per issue. So far, I like these teenage characters and the antics they get up to with their new powers because, well, of course they would. Millar has just introduced what could be the antagonist in the last issue so I'm still not sure where this whole thing is headed but it was mentioned early on that there are different vampire factions, so perhaps some sort of vampire war?
Dead Boy Detectives (Vol #1-4) by Pornsak Pichetshote
Edwin and Charles are ghosts, solving mysteries a living person wouldn't be able to solve. When the two discover a group of ghosts of Thai descent being haunted by their own monster, they find there is still much for them to learn about the world of ghosts. I vaguely remember the Dead Boy Detectives being connected to the magician Timothy Hunter who was also sort-of connected to The Sandman Universe, so that's why I've been picking these up. I relly like that the story is exploring different cultures' perspectives on ghosts and not just the western views I'm used to seeing.
Hell to Pay (Vol #1-4) by Charles Soule
The Shrouded College offers the desperate a second chance, teaching their pupils all manner of magic and occult knowledge in exchange for a steep price. Maia and Sebastian are two such students tasked with repaying the College by collecting all 666 demonic qurrakh, coins from Hell which a mortal can exchange with a demon for a wish. Believing their payment nearly complete, the two instead discover the unimaginable - the 666 coins aren't the only ones brought to Earth. The two must now set out to find wherever these coins are coming from, collect them all, and stop whoever is transporting them to Earth. An entertaining series with a lot of potential, and I'm serious about that last remark. At the end of each issue so far, the creators have expressed their plans for not only this arc (based around the sin of greed) but additional arcs revolving around the other seven sins as well as the Shrouded College itself.
Damn Them All (Vol #1-6) by Simon Spurrier and Charlie Adlard
Elle "Bloody El" Hawthorne, having successfully solved the mystery of not only who has been handing out the cursed coins but why as well, makes another discovery after calling up the soul of her deceased occultist uncle. Elle now sets her sights upon mercifully banishing the enslaved and imprisoned demons back to Hell. At the same time, other hidden forces begin to make their own plays to take advantage of the situation. As I mentioned the last time, it's an interesting premise - an occultist banishing demons back to Hell because the demons actually hate being on Earth to the point that it caused them agony - and besides, I love urban fantasy, and this one gives me some John Constantine vibes.
End After End (Vol #1-6) by Tim Daniel and David Andry
Walt continues to traverse the End After End, a plane where souls are diverted to after death before reaching their final resting place (if there is one). As he continues to fight an enemy against which he holds no grudge and for a cause he doesn't understand, he'll meet with others trapped in a similar situation, witness the transformation of those souls that prove themselves, and discover mystical artifacts which could shift the balance of power for everyone. An interesting premises as Walt is technically already dead and doesn't have to fear death anymore, but still he struggles on. The world of the End After End is beginning to shape itself with more insight given to the enemy Walt fights against.
Behold Behemoth (Vol #1-4) by Tate Brombal
What begins as a tale of horror as Greyson is plagued by nightmares and visions of monsters, demons, and the apocalypse. When he encounters a young girl named Wren, he discovers his mysterious connection with the monster haunting his dreams. The story jumps back and forth from the present-day horror of Greyson's attempts to get a grip on his new reality, to the future where the story turns into a giant monster battle as Wren uses the beast inside her to fight others that threaten humanity. It took me until issue three to finally figure out what was going on in this story as it feels sort of fractured like the main character's psyche, but once I got it, then I really got into it. I'm curious to see where this one goes, especially with the way the story is told, jumping between the present and the future.
Plush (Vol #1-5) by Doug Wagner and Daniel Hillyard
In an attempt to take his mind off of his cheating fiance, Devin accompanies his friend to a furries convention. Instead of relaxing in the unfamiliar environment, Devin witnesses a trio of furries eating another attendee. The trio become obsessed with Devin, seeking to bring him into their group. Filled with brutal action as the three rip into flesh with their costumes' various weapons, it is also a quirky, entertaining ride as Devin learns more about the three and, in some ways, even begins to relate to them. One of the weirdest comics I picked up I'm really hoping that it concludes on a high note.
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