After last month, I may have found a balance to get me through my stacks of reading material, I hope.
The Moon is Following Us Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 by Daniel Warren Johnson
"'I have no vision of the world where you're from. But when Penny played with me, I could feel ... warmth. Warmth from a girl well loved by the ones that brought her into this world. You're both doing an amazing job.'"
When their daughter falls into a mysterious and unwakeable sleep, Samantha and Duncan set out into her dreamscape to bring Penny back home. Together, with almost unrecognizable versions of their daughter's favorite toys, they'll put their lives on the line against evil forces of The Cascade, whatever it takes to bring their daughter home.
Betrayed, Samantha and Duncan will team-up with unlikely allies to continue their rescue mission. Armed with a new plan and weapons forged from Penny's own imagination, they'll again set out to save their daughter. This time though, they'll not only confront the forces of The Cascade, but their own fears and darkness.
After picking-up the first issue a while back, I decided to wait for the trade paperback collection. I ended up buying both Volume One and Two before cracking open the first book (I know, I gotta get back to reading timely instead of letting so many books sit). What initially drew me to this story was the idea of parents going into their child's imagination to rescue her from a magical sleep. Volume One presented an okay set-up: establishing characters and plot. I really liked seeing Penny's toys given their own personalities, but the rest was kinda just okay. Things really got better in Volume Two (so I'm pretty happy I waited until I got both books before reading) where the secret of The Cascade is revealed, and Samantha and Duncan arm themselves with weapons from Penny's imagination like the car seat shield, the shark hammer, and Penny's version of a unicorn. Seeing the parents confront manifestations of the darkest moments of their own lives they've passed down to Penny had me not only holding my breath, but even wondering about a possible twist that this was in fact Penny's rescue mission the entire time. It isn't something I see in a lot of those "Parent will do whatever it takes" stories. I expected the fighting and the sacrifice, but not many stories have parents confronting their own trauma, recognizing how it harms their own children, and fight to become better because of it. Overall, it was a good short story (10 issues collected in two volumes) and I like how neatly it wrapped up.
Arcana Royale by Cullen Bunn
"To some the cards bend fate. Bend reality. They bring pain and suffering and horror. You want to win, you unleash nightmares into the world. So .. really ... you're betting with your own humanity. And ... smug smile or not I don't know who much I've got left to lose."
The Arcanos Mysterinos exists as the most secretive card game in the world, attended by humans, monsters, and even other dimensional beings. Hired to infiltrate the game is Hudson Tremain, a legendary card shark famous among gamblers having hustled many out of their fortunes. This tournament will be like none she has entered before: cards with a mind of their own, wagers which could mean death and destruction for countless others, and the victor controlling Fate itself. Can Hudson survive long enough to win it all?
This one I missed out on picking-up the first issue when it was initially released, so I went into the trade paperback blind, not knowing anything except it featured a magical card tournament. The trade collects all four issues of the series which honestly should've been longer. Hudson puts on a great "devil may care" facade (like a John Constantine type) in her "win at all costs personality thanks to her upbringing, but ultimately shows her heart of gold as she weaponizes her pain and turns it against the true monsters of the Arcanos Mysterinos. I'm a sucker for any magical card game story (thus why I bought it without even reading the first issue) and this one didn't disappoint. Depicted as a mixture between Poker and Tarot, the players (from what I could gather) wager on how much misery and pain they'd be willing to release into the world based on the revealed card. It's an interesting game and I really wished we got more of it in the four issues, or perhaps if the story could've extended past the four issues. The only complaint that I have unfortunately is the ending which shoved Hudson into another, separate, high stakes tournament instead of going into how Hudson would use her tournament prize, or even simply defend her crown in another tournament.
Paranoid Gardens by Gerard Way
From aging monsters to injured space aliens to delusional superheroes, Paradise Gardens provides care to all manner of beings on the grounds of their hidden facility. Helping to care for its residents is Loo who just can't seem to remember anything about her life before arriving at the care home months ago. Seeking control of the healing grounds is a cult-like corporation willing to do whatever it takes to seize the property. As Loo's memories return, she'll find that the decision of whether Paradise Gardens lives or dies is in her hands.
Paranoid Gardens collects all six issues of Gerard Way's story of an off-kilter nursing home filled with monsters and aliens and superheroes. The story follows two plot lines - one, focused on Loo and her quest to discover the truth about her tenure at Paradise Gardens, and, two, the planned takeover of the special grounds by The Church of the Unenlightened Light and its Cheeky Monkey Fan Club. Despite the comic's name, there really wasn't as much "paranoia" as I hoped. I figured out pretty quickly that Loo wasn't just a nurse but a patient at the facility, and the rest of the faculty was keeping that from her for her recovery. I guess, because of the title, I was expecting more twists to the story. What I really liked about Way's writing (similar to Umbrella Academy) is that he never gets bogged down in explanation - the reader is either on-board for the ride or gets left behind. Who are these cult members? Where did the superhero come from? Are the residents monsters from Earth or aliens from space? That's not important, just background noise, and if you focus too hard, you'll miss the main story.
Absolute Flash #7 - 12 by Jeff Lemire
"Everything I was ever scared of -- everything bad I always knew deep down would one day happen -- it's here. But I'm not scared anymore. I don't run away. I run toward it."
Wally West and Grood adjust to life on the run, stealing what they need to survive - at least, when Wally is able to use his new powers. When he is eventually apprehended by The Rogues, they present him a unique offer: team-up to rescue his father and their former commander. Dr. Elenore Thawne reveals her recruitment of Barry Allen and her personal connection to the Still Point - believed to be the center of all life. Stepping through the Still Point gateway is a transformed and monstrous Eobard Thawne set on destroying the young speedster. Wally's father sacrifices himself to seal the gateway and return the monster back to the Still Point. Wally sets off on a mission to rescue his father from a place few have ever returned.
The second story arc of DC's Absolute Flash sees a re-imagined Wally West teaming up with The Rogues hunting him in order to rescue his father. The story reveals more about the origin of Wally's powers and his usual nemesis, Eobard Thawne aka The Reverse Flash in the main storyline. Now, with a bit more control over his powers, the story loses some of the horror elements it originally carried in favor or the typical comic book action. I really liked seeing Wally team-up with the enemies previously hunting him, those also born out of the same experiments that gave Wally his powers - there's just something poetic about a team-up against a greater evil. Not knowing enough about "The Flash", I don't know much about the original version of his powers, but I'm definitely curious about the differences between the Speed Force and the Still Point, and especially how this "origin of all life" may tie into any of the other "Absolute" series. The reveal at the end of Grood's father telling Grood that ALL humans are evil has me excited for the next story arc possibly featuring a new, terrifying Gorilla Grood!
Cruel Kingdom by Various Writers
Cruel Kingdom collects all four issues of the series and their 13 short stories set in Sword-and-Sorcery medieval fantasy. As an anthology series, each short story features an element of cruelty and horror fitting to the title of the book which is usually done by or to the main character of the story. I guess I'll just go through a few of my favorite stories. In the sorcery meets science tale, "Friendly Visitors", a group of space-faring aliens offer to protect a medieval town as their advanced technology makes them untouchable to the planet's magic - for a price, of course. In "A Rare Immunity", a blood-lusted knight takes up a sword which grants its wielder immunity from harm, only to realize too late the gift's true curse. The horrible secret behind the throne's power is revealed in "Seat of Power". To prepare a legendary feast in "Just Desserts", a royal chef will go to extreme lengths to secure the ingredients she needs. A young warrior learns to be ruthless in order to protect the village in "Headmistress." Like with most anthology series, I resonated with some stories more than others, but they all provided a fun, entertaining read, especially since it had been a while since I've read any sort of High Fantasy stories.
Hello Darkness Vol. 1 by Various Writers
"I promise you, nothing else is going to happen."
"We're not peddling escapism or hero's journeys with happy endings or light at the end of the tunnel. So consider this series an invitation to come step into the darkness."
Bringing the horror anthology into the modern era, Hello Darkness collects the first four issues of the series. Personally, I used to be really into horror films, especially the slasher genre when I was younger, and, now, with my comic reading consisting mostly of the superhero genre, I figured I'd give this a shot as a sort-of palette cleanser just to get something different. Plus, I just finished another anthology-style book, so why not another?
Included in my list of favorites is the very first story, "Contagious" about a virus causing children to kill their parents in order to create a world in which they can grow. It's creepy, not overtly gore-y, short and to the point, and gives that quick wrap-up at the end that makes the story stick with you. "The Foster" gives the reader Body Horror as Benjamin implants a "foster hand" in the middle of his stomach. Realizing his new appendage is getting more attention than he is for the good deed, he decides to take drastic action. This was one of the creepier stories to me simply because of the Body Horror element, still finding it clever, treating a body part like a foster pet in the attention it can draw. In a more comedic tone, a first date turns deadly in "Stargazers" when Hal reveals himself to be a vampire ... only for Sarah to then reveal herself to be a werewolf. Despite the gruesome monster fight, this was more in line with a "Freddy vs Jason" horror flick - more comedic and campy than scary, and a welcome addition to the anthology. Set in the trenches of World War I, "Kampfgeist" tells of a plot to kill everyone in the German trenches only for the soldiers to discover a dormant giant dreaming of was and feeding on the deaths from above. When you imagine the horrors of war (and how often we've done it), sometimes you'd like to imagine it is something else driving us to commit the atrocities we've done. Depicting the modern horror of the uncertainty and immediate devastation of nuclear war, the first four chapters of "The War" follows the lives of six New Yorkers while war rages across the ocean ... until it arrives at their doorstep. It's very fitting to today's conflicts between nuclear-capable countries and captures the uncertainty and unease of the people watching it unfold. For this story alone, I'm willing to buy Vol 2 (if I can find it) simply to find out how the story ends.
Despite being very much into the horror genre when I was younger, I was still hesitant to jump into a horror anthology book as I'm not sure what today's horror looks like. For a period, horror became defined less by the monsters and more by the gore and disturbing imagery on-screen, and I'm not really into that. I really liked this set of stories focused on unsettling tales, ones that linger with the reader, which is the type of horror I like. I think (once I get my To Read pile under-control) I'll look into reading more of these books and writers.
Power Rangers Prime Vol. 2 by Melissa Flores
"'You are standing in a room of relics, Lauren. Something you and your team will also very quickly become if you do not take action now. The solution now is not to fight. You know all too well what you must do ... survive.'"
Having obtained the power of the Morphin Grid from Rita, the four teenagers can now transform into Power Rangers Prime! Untrained and outclassed, though, they are beaten back by the Eltarian's VR Troopers and forced to retreat. Split apart by force and choice, the newest Rangers will need to find what it is that can bring them together as a team.
Collecting issues 5 to 8, Volume 2 of Power Rangers Prime sees the team get into their first battle against the VR Troopers, and suffer their first loss. We learn more about Mark's backstory and the tragedy he suffered on his home planet, as well as what drove the other teens to take up their Coins from Rita. The volume concludes with the team bonding together, although the results are not quite what's expected. The volume also ends with the arrival of a mysterious Sixth Ranger (because there's ALWAYS a sixth)! As much as I'm enjoying this reboot, I do know that eventually it all is coming to a close relatively soon at around issue 20 but that's something I'm looking forward to reading.
Like the universe established in Marvel's "Ultimate Universe" and DC's "Absolute Universe", this new ... Prime Universe? ... twists the role of the Power Rangers. Now that the Eltarians have established peace and order through military might and oppression, society is taught Power Rangers are no longer needed and are, in fact, a threat to the establishment. Having Power Rangers team-up with Rita - THE Power Rangers' villain - brings into question if they are truly the "good guys" in their fight against the oppressive Eltarian regime. To get the answer, I guess we're just going to need to wait until we're given Rita's goals later in the series. From Volume One, I was curious to see how these new Power Rangers would perform, and Volume Two gives us the answer - not well. They're definitely not the same type of Rangers I grew up with, once that Zordon would've chosen. Though most Power Ranger teams have at least one "weak" member they still usually excel in other aspects. Mark, however, as the main protagonist, doesn't appear confident in any area, in fact, suffering from constant anxiety in all situations. Orion, as the Pink Ranger, isn't simply a lover interest for another Ranger, but instead is Mark's best friend. I also don't quite understand what his deal is yet, but I'm curious to find out why he took up the Power Coin. Despite being the Red Ranger, Lauren has yet to establish leadership over the team as the typical Red Ranger would've done. Valentina and Jun, the Yellow and Black Rangers respectively, are the most interesting to me being part of the establishment. Coming together briefly at the end of Volume Two, I'm looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish in future issues.
And, as I mentioned reading Volume One, I love that they brought back the VR Troopers despite being antagonists. With the introduction of an underground society, maybe we'll get another team of protectors, like the Big Bad Beetleborgs, perhaps? The millennial in me just wants to bring back all those teenage transforming teams I grew up with (because I'm a nostalgic old man).
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
"I'd designed my avatar's face and body to look, more or less, like my own. My avatar had a slightly smaller nose than me, and he was taller. And thinner. And more muscular. And he didn't have any teenage acne. But aside from these minor details, we looked more or less identical."
"In real life, I was nothing but an antisocial hermit. ... I was just another sad, lost, lonely soul, wasting his life on a glorified videogame.
But not in the OASIS. In there, I was the great Parzival. ... I was a legend. Nay, a god."
"'I was afraid, for all of my life. Right up until I knew it was ending. That was when I realized, as terrifying and painful as reality can be, it's also the only place where you can find true happiness. Because reality is real. Do you understand?'"
In the year 2044, the real world is a horrible place. Poverty is widespread with even the average citizen struggling to survive on government welfare. A growing housing crisis led to dozens occupying single trailers, each housing unit stacked precariously upon the other. Crime and violence are rampant, no one batting an eye to the everyday sounds of gunfire. The only time most find joy is logging in to a virtual world known simply as the OASIS, where anyone can become anyone. While most utilize the OASIS as a means to conduct everyday activities or escaping the trials of the real world, others set forth to compete in the OASIS's biggest contest - The Hunt for James Halliday's Egg in order to gain control over the entire virtual world. Teenager Wade Watts is one of those hunters, devoting all his waking hours to studying everything know about the OASIS's reclusive creator in order to win the contest. Watt's life changes overnight when he becomes the first person in years to solve the first of Halliday's riddles, making his name know throughout the OASIS. His new fame, however, brings with it new troubles, attracting new rivals and even an entire corporation willing to do whatever it takes to claim Halliday's Egg. With the future of the OASIS on the line, Watts sets out not only on a quest within the virtual world, but also within the real world he so desperately wishes to escape.
So, I finally got around to reading this one! As a "former" gamer (I really need to buy a new gaming system), this book feels like one everyone who wished their life was more like a video game should read. Of course, I watched "Ready Player One" nearly a decade ago, and always meant to read the book, but just never found the time. Finally, needing to use up the last of my store credit, I pulled the trigger and added it to my To Read pile of books. The book itself isn't necessarily long, and can move pretty quickly at times. However, reading it between my comic books meant it took me a couple weeks longer to finish than I expected (I read a lot this month). In the end, it was an entertaining story and one I'm pretty happy I finally read.
Of course, like all books with movie adaptations, the question has to be asked - which version is better? Both versions have their merits, but if I had to choose one version over the other, I'd have to say I do prefer the movie. The book definitely felt more in line with James Halliday's life - the riddles, the gates, the trials - all of these parts of the book felt closer to the version of The Hunt which the recluse would've created compared to the movie (Halliday doesn't seem the type to even think about racing games). The pitfall of the book, to me, is Cline's writing. Although likely meant to make the world more immersive to the reader, descriptions and details about the VR gear, entire sections of the OASIS, and Watts' ramblings about the details of Halliday's life felt long and unnecessary. I also had issues with Watts' "voice" at times, especially when he talked about the real world. I understand that he is a teenager, but it just comes off as a teenager's attempts to be "edgy" especially with his casual remarks about crime and violence and rape just being a part of daily life. The movie also made certain scenes from the book better, tighter, and focused, and there were definitely a few scenes in the book not found in the movie that could've benefited from another set of eyes looking over Cline's work. It's these reasons that though I enjoyed the book, I'm hesitant to read Cline's follow-up "Ready Player Two."
The story itself touches on a whole mess of issues found in modern society, such as the housing crisis, the rise of poverty, and the normalization of violence in America. The biggest issue, obviously, is the rising use of technology to escape reality. With how horrible the world is, as described by Watts, it's obvious why so many people escape the real world into the OASIS. Although you could make the argument Watts is simply going into the OASIS to participate in The Hunt, he does make it clear that not only would he be going into the OASIS even if The Hunt didn't exist, but that he also prefers his virtual life to his real one. One scene which I wished was included in the movie is a small bit where Watts realizes just how badly being in the OASIS for hours on end is ruining his life in the real world when he finally takes a look at himself in a mirror. The book also doesn't confirm Watts learned the lesson Halliday tries to teach him at the end of the books as clearly as the movie version depicts. Perhaps it is enough that Watts agress with Art3mis about how to use their newfound riches to show that he finally accepts the real world, but the movie version definitely made the point clear.
Batman and Robin # 28 - 30 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson
"Because Mercer is Us! Can you really not see it? What if Crime Alley had happened to someone else? Someone without the mind or resources to learn every language and martial art, or the means to engineer jets and batarangs and grappling hooks? What if you had been a poor man from the mountains, with only a car and a rifle? ... His obsession with revenge has doomed him and others. In that, you are right. But you are not so different."
With the Quiet Man closing in on his target, Batman and Robin make a shocking discovery that will bring Gotham's crime factions to each other's throat. In order to prevent a crime war from claiming innocent lives, they'll need to subdue a man skilled enough to have the crime syndicates running scared as well as a newly-awakened but still volatile Scarface.
The end to the Quiet Man arc also brings to a close Johnson's time on Batman and Robin as the storyline comes to a close. It was a fun couple of years reading the exploits of Bruce Wayne/Batman and Damien Wayne/Robin as they not only fought crime but learned to live as father and son. I really enjoyed this story arc as it pitted the Dynamic Duo against a mirror of what could be - a man whose loved one was killed and sets out on a path of revenge. Of course it also features some great action scenes as Batman and Robin take down Scarface's gang. The story also concludes with a brief sort-of farewell by Damien as he talks about his hopes for the future, not only as Batman and Robin but as Bruce and Damien - the sole reason I originally chose to pick-up this comic. I'm definitely sad to see it go, but everything must come to an end eventually.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees by Patrick Horvath
"Let's say you did have someone who didn't play by the rules... Just started murdering folks right here in Woodbrook. ... if someone were stupid enough to do that, then we'd have a problem. A major fucking problem."
Sorry, no, I don't feel like doing another book report on a story I read quite recently. Just as with my review of "Absolute Superman #1-6" last month, Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees was chosen by the Graphic Novel Book Club. Unfortunately for me, I'd already sold off my original copy, so I needed to spend the full amount to buy the book again.
Did anything change between the first time I read this book and this time? I actually enjoyed the book more this time now that I was reading it not as just a story but as a text to be discussed. There's a lot of these little things I either didn't pick-up on the first read through or I simply glossed over rather than giving it more attention. Of course, we discussed the use of Samantha Strong as the story's protagonist, as remorseless serial killer. Though I haven't seen the TV show "Dexter" I have read the Nemesis comic series about a supervillain. Unlike Dexter, however, Strong doesn't target other killers to satisfy her urges, she simply chooses her victims at random. Though we're rooting for Strong over Nigel, there really is nothing that makes her better than him as a person. In fact, Strong even thinks Nigel might be better than her for at least giving his victims' families closure by leaving the bodies to be found rather than disappearing them. Is it simply just a fascination, then, that we have with these "other" people that make us interested? And, there's that scene at the end between Strong and her best friend, or someone we thought was her best friend - and it solidified that Strong stops Nigel not out of compassion for her neighbors but to avoid being caught.
Another topic brought up at the Book Club that really stuck with me was on the art style and how all the characters were drawn with big heads resembling mascot costumes. From the start, Strong gives the reader this idea that she wears a social mask to blend in with the other townsfolk. Are the other townsfolk the same? Just animals wearing a mask and playing at the idea of civility while an animal hides beneath? It's an interesting point and one that I didn't pick-up on in neither my first nor second reading (I really need to pay more attention to art style).
Absolute Martian Manhunter #7 -9 by Deniz Camp
"I get it. What's more scary than being seen?"
After the night of chaos caused by the White Martian, Agent John Jones finds himself untethered. Similarly, the people of Middleton, having revealed their deepest, darkest urges, find themselves distanced from one another, suspicious of their neighbors. Meanwhile, as the White Martian regains its strength, new enemies seek out Jones and his Green Martian companion to separate and destroy them.
The next three issues of DC's Absolute Martian Manhunter series continues to push the boundaries of what a superhero comic book can be. Due to the long delay between issues 6 and 7, I wasn't sure if there would be a second story arc. The rumors, I've heard, though, point to these next few issues being the end of the series as both the writer and artist have other obligations. These three issues continue the same reality-bending tone found in the first six issues, and I'm still trying to figure out if this comic falls in the "superhero" genre at all.
The new story arc has been really good so far as Jones tries to navigate his new reality with his Martian companion. This new arc introduces what I'm assuming are new and unique "Mindhunters" as another entity attaches itself to Jones. My favorite part of these three issues was the Martian's reference to the "Anti-Life" when describing Jones' isolation and despair, the "Anti-Life Equation" being what Darkseid (who created this new universe) is constantly in search of.
Though usually focused on one man punching his way through a bunch of villains, this "superhero" story instead focuses on people and their relationships. The Martians, Green and White, don't appear to have physical bodies and must act through others. Without a visible form, it makes people distrustful of each other, unsure where the enemy could be hiding. It's definitely different and more psychological than the traditional superhero story.
Absolute Superman #15 - 17 by Jason Aaron
"For this, they call me Superman. A name I've never much cared for. But it doesn't matter what anybody calls me. I know who I am."
With his fight against The Lazarus Corporation finished and Ra's al Ghul behind bars, Kal-El seeks to return to a quiet life on the Kent farm in Smallville. Unfortunately, the cries for help never stop, and The Superman is called to save the defenseless or punish the cruel. Attempting to reign in Kal-El's campaign to protect the downtrodden, The Justice League dispatches Hawkman to educate him on the ways of this world. But, what is this terrifying alien monster absorbing the people of Metropolis? And, does The Superman have the strength and will to stop it?
In the next three issues of Absolute Superman, Kal-El more and more resembles the superhero with which we're familiar - a man who rushes headfirst into danger in order to save those who cannot save themselves. Thanks to what he has seen on Earth, he also begins targeting those who profit off of the suffering of others - a stark contrast to The Superman who prefer to remain neutral in human affairs. What's got me really excited about the start to this new story arc is the introduction of this universe's Justice League with their fixer, Hawkman. Not only does it set up a bigger villain, but also foreshadows future crossover events with the other Absolute heroes and their books. Meanwhile, Brainiac sets out with otherworldly knowledge to transform Lex Luthor from a mild family man into a version more in line with his character in the main DC Universe (it's truly terrifying to witness). Meanwhile, by not only saving those in harm's way but also going after those who would put them there - including his quest to reform Ra's al Ghul when most would prefer to simply have him rot in prison - Kal-El shows the world that he is capable of changing it for the better. It's an excellent start to the new story arc, and perfectly sets up Kal-El to transform from simple superhero to a symbol of hope for people to rally behind.
Godzilla: Heist by Van Jensen
"Summon the beast. Set it loose upon a city of millions. Steal some mysterious gewgaw. Escape unseen. ... On paper, it sounds like the dumbest, most impossible damn heist in the history of crime."
Godzilla is the King of Monsters, a force of nature that leaves nothing but destruction in its wake. But what if you could predict where Godzilla might strike next? Jia has derived the way to do just that, using his knowledge to pull off elaborate heists from some of the world's most impenetrable fortresses. Secrets never stay secret for long, and when he is found out, he'll put all his knowledge, skills, and cunning to help a group of mercenaries pull off the most brazen heist yet for a score that could change the world.
A Godzilla book NOT starring Godzilla? Yeah, I was curious too, so when I saw this on the pre-order list, I immediately added it to my cart. I admit, I did feel a bit of buyer's remorse when it arrived (I kept saying I need to stop ordering every single book that peaks my interest). As I said, it's a Godzilla book not starring Godzilla. I do love a good heist story, though. Despite my skepticism, Godzilla: Heist did not disappoint. It's a fun read with a couple twists and double-crosses - like "Ocean's Eleven" with giant monsters. Though the story focuses on the heist, it's still a Godzilla story so of course there's the obligatory giant monster fight.
