Short Book Review: Spawn Origins Collection, Volume 1

Todd McFarlane, et.al., Spawn Origins, Volume 1. Berkeley, CA: Image Comics, 2009. ISBN: 9781607060710.

Genre: comics and graphic novels

Subgenre: antiheroes, horror

Format: trade paperback

Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library

 

Spawn burst into the comics world in 1992; it feels a longer than that, but it is and continues to be a popular character. This Origins series is made it include six issues in each volume of previously released sold out comics. They add some bonus content to the volume such as cover galleries and behind-the-scenes art. 

This first volume in the series takes us back to the beginning. Government agent Al Simmons is killed by his own men, betrayed. All he wants is to see his wife Wanda, and to do so he makes a deal with devil Malebolgia to go back to Earth. Simmons returns to Earth as the hell warrior Spawn. The catch? It is five years later from his death, Wanda has remarried to his best friend, and Simmons's memories are sketchy to say the least. Spawn struggles to remember, and meanwhile he is part of Malebolgia's larger scheme. 

If you've never read Spawn comics from the beginning, or you only know the film (link to my review), you can pick up this book. The original story is much better than the film. You can better appreciate the liberties the film took. At any rate, the volume is a great read. Al  Simmons has to struggle to keep his humanity and balance that with being Spawn now. There are plots, intrigues, sketchy memories, plus Clown, the Violator, keeping an eye on Spawn. The story draws you in, and you keep reading. It has good pacing. I will be looking for the next volume. 

McFarlane's art is a great reason to read this. The art is colorful, very gothic at times. Looking through the volume for the art is fun. McFarlane has a unique style that I appreciate, and I think fans may appreciate reading these again.

Overall, really liked this one. I do recommend it for libraries. For libraries that may be starting on collecting Spawn, this series may be a relatively affordable option to begin. I'd add it to my own shelves. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

This book qualifies for the following 2024 Reading Challenge: 

Book Review: Star Wars Darth Vader, Volume 3 (Greg Pak run)

Greg Pak, Star Wars Darth Vader, Volume 3: War of the Bounty Hunters. New York: Marvel, 2021. ISBN: 9781302926229.

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: Star Wars

Format: trade paperback

Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library 

The third volume's events take place during the War of the Bounty Hunters; it's a crossover from that series. As the book description asks, "what will the raging war of the bounty hunters mean for the dark lord's ongoing schemes?" After reading it, I am not sure it means a whole lot. 

By now Vader is (somewhat) back in the Emperor's favor. Vader now concentrates on doing the Emperor's bidding, but he also works to continue his own agenda. One of his goals is finding Han Solo. However, he still faces intrigues from within, plus the Emperor overseeing it all. 

The story here seemed a bit less coherent compared to the previous two volumes (link to my review). At times there are schemes on top of schemes, and you need a bit of a map to follow. Still, mostly entertaining though not terribly memorable. The art does remain a great reason to pick this up. 

I liked it, but as I said this is not really memorable. You read it. It was nice, then you move on. I may try to find the other War of the Bounty Hunters comics to see if I can get the wider picture. This volume is pretty much quick popcorn entertainment, and that is fine. 

3 out of 5 stars. 

Qualifies for the following 2024 Reading Challenge: 

Book Review: All the past we leave behind

Timothy Eastman, All the past we leave behind. Heidelberg, Germany: Kehrer, 2022.  ISBN: 9783969000922.

Genre: photography

Subgenre: Americana, travel, nomads

Format: coffee table hardback

Source: Hutchins Library, Berea College. I ordered it for our collection.

This is a beautiful and at times moving photography book documenting the lives of workampers. A workamper is defined as: 

"A person, typically living in an RV or van, who works usually seasonal or temporary jobs around the United States." 

 

The author states this book is inspired by Jessica Bruder's book Nomadland. I've had Bruder's book on my TBR list for a while, so when this new book came along I was intrigued. From that inspiration, the author went forth interviewing and photographing a diverse sampling of American workampers. Most of them are White people; very few are people of color. 

Contrary to common belief, bad economic conditions did not force many of them to become workampers. Some chose the lifestyle as a form of retirement. Others chose it for the freedom to travel and see different places, and others chose it as a way to minimize and simplify life. Their reasons to do this are diverse. "Most insisted that workamping was a life they had chosen out of opportunity rather than necessity." 

Strength of the book is in the large color photos. The author photographs people as well as their dwellings and places they travel. These can be very touching images at times. The images are also very humane, catching different moments in the subjects' lives. 

As for the text, the author pretty much let's the people speak for themselves. Though some common elements emerge, their stories are also very individual. Through their stories they welcome us into their homes and give us a small glimpse into their lives. 

For me, this book was powerful and moving. Once you start reading and looking over the photos, it draws you in. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy photography and Americana books. Recommended for all libraries. It may seem a simple book, but it is a powerful book. For me, one of the best reads this year. 

5 out of 5 stars.

Media Notes: Roundup for October 2024

  

 

This is a somewhat random selection of the movies and series on DVD and/or online I watched during  October 2024.

Movies and films (links to IMDB.com for basic information unless noted otherwise). Some of these I watched via TubiTv.com or other online source. The DVDs come from the public library (unless noted otherwise). In addition, I will try to add other trivia notes, such as when a film is based on a book adding the information about the book (at least the WorldCat record if available).

Ah, we made it to October, and during this month I tend to make an effort to watch a bit more horror for the fun of it. I do watch horror over the year, but this is the month I actively seek it out a bit more. So, here are the horror movies I watched in October. 

• Nefarious (2023. Horror. Thriller). Plot description: "On the day of his scheduled execution, a convicted serial killer gets a psychiatric evaluation during which he claims he is a demon, and further claims that before their time is over, the psychiatrist will commit three murders of his own." The movie hinges on the performances of Nefarious (the murderer, portrayed by Sean Patrick Flanery), and the psychiatrist (Jordan Belfi). A good part of the film is them in the interview chamber going back and forth. The film is not so much horror in a gruesome way. It is a bit of psychological horror, demon possession, and suspense building up. The warden also has a pretty good performance by Tom Ohmer.  Overall, if you like a psychological thriller, this may be an option to watch. The film moves on dialogue and performance. The ending may be a bit of a stretch. I liked it, so willing to give it a 3 out of 5 stars. Via TubiTv. Watched 10/5.
  
• On actors you may know from elsewhere, the talk radio host is Glenn Beck being himself. 
• I can see why some folks seeing this complain the film is a bit thick on Christian propaganda and dogma. It presents some very right wing Christian views at times, and does so strongly, which contrast with the doctor's atheism. Still, the demon's (the murderer is possessed, or at least allegedly?) theology at times may resonate with some. If anything, it makes his side look better, which may not be what the Christians making this movie intended. It may give some things to think about. The ending also may reinforce the idea the film promotes a right wing Christian agenda. 
• Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II (1987. Horror. Slasher. Thriller). Plot description: "Thirty years after her accidental death at her 1957 senior prom, the tortured spirit of prom queen Mary Lou Maloney returns to seek revenge." This is a sequel to 1980's Prom Night, which I watched back in 2022, though it is not really connected to the first one other than a prom night theme. It does feature Michael Ironside, which can always be a good reason to watch a low horror film. He is the principal in the school in present day; back in high school, the same school by the way, he was the boy Mary Lou jilted and was cheating on with some other guy. Up front, given Mary Lou is not exactly a wholesome girl, to put it charitably, film establishes early on she is not sympathetic. She is outright evil, so her accidental death, well, depends on your view she may have had it coming. This film ramps up the supernatural hints and elements, but it still remains relatively slow in pacing, similar in that regard to the original. Naturally, Vickie, the main character, is in a very Christian household including the obnoxiously Christian mom, Catholic by the way. Because apparently in slashers the girl possessed has to be Christian, preferably Catholic. The one good detail is how they build up the possession of Vickie by Mary Lou's spirit, in a gradual way rather than right away. Still, while the supernatural angle is ramped up, film does not seem fully committed to it. Pretty much also as the first film, things don't really pick up until the last 30 minutes, and this is an almost 90 minutes film, so it drags a lot before it gets to anything good in terms of horror. Of course, as any slasher in the 80s, there is at least one nudity scene, but not even that saves the movie (though the actress Wendy Lyon did look very nice). In the end, the issue with movies like this is that they take a long time to get to the actual horror, and by then, movie is practically over. Gore in the few deaths is minimal, and in one case at least the death is just not that good. Not even Michael Ironside can save the movie either. It does have some good moments, but they are not enough to rate the movie highly. The horror is cheesy, and sure, that can be OK, but as a whole, this is pretty forgettable. The very last scene, which some may find a tad reminiscent of Carrie, tries to save this movie but too little too late.Slightly better than the first, but not by much. By the time you get to the end, you just want it to be over. I will add the ending was a nice touch but again too little too late. 1.5 out of 5 stars. Via TubiTv. Watched 10/5.
  
• There are two more sequels, Prom Night III: the Last Kiss (at this time Internet Archive has it) and Prom Night IV: Deliver Us From Evil. (available on Tubi at this time).
• Castle Freak (1995. Horror. Thriller. Mystery). Plot description: "A man travels to Italy with his family to live in the castle they have recently inherited. But he soon begins to suspect that they are not the only occupants." Tubi has the film as well as an edition that was hosted by William Shatner on "William Shatner's Halloween Frightnight." These are Full Moon Pictures productions, so I am going in with low expectations, though the film features Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton, two pretty good regulars in these kind of films. By the way, the film is filmed in Italy. I went with the Shatner version in part to get the commentary. The film for starters can be very atmospheric, making good use of the music to set up the suspense along with shadows and low light. Movie has some slow moments, but it also has some pretty good suspense. There are some gory moments, but not too many. I'd say it is a bit more than OK, and the kind of thing to catch on a late night cable channel. I will add that there are a few plot questions that you may be better off not asking; this is one of those films you wonder about certain details if you give it a bit of thought. Watching it with Shatner did add a bit of amusement and light humor. 2.5 out of 5 stars as it feels average, not terrible but not very good. Watched 10/5.
  
• Before this I had no idea Shatner did a show, "William Shatner's Full Moon Frightnight," hosting viewings of Full Moon Pictures films, so I took a chance. I've often liked hosted movies like Elvira's films. Shatner hams it up as he can, so I would say if you are watching Full Moon movies, consider watching them via Shatner's Full Moon show. For a bit of humor, for example, he goes over some of the lessons you learn, or should be learning, from horror movies such as don't go to the basement. Another warning, and I have learned this one, is when you get a warning, you need to heed it.
  
• A minor issue is the film is not close captioned. 
• The film is loosely based on H.P. Lovecraft's story "The Outsider."
• Meth Gator (2023. Horror. Science Fiction. Thriller. Also known as Attack of the Meth Gator). Plot description: "When an alligator eats a load of drugs all hell breaks loose in Florida." Do you really need any more in terms of plot? Anyhow, I saw this mentioned on social media, and I figured what the heck, I will give it a try since TubiTv has it. It is an Asylum film, so keeping the expectations low. As often happens in this kind of movie, tourist area, holiday coming and the "beast" (gator, bear, shark, whatever) needs to be caught, preferably discreetly. At least the mayor is not outright denying the issue, but his attempts to hire discreet hunters may not be enough; part of his desire for discretion is he may be on the take to the local meth dealers. The acting is average; the cast is mostly unknown actors, but they are likeable. The CGI gator is a bit ridiculous, but on par for this kind of movie. Pace is a bit inconsistent, but the movie mostly moves along. If you keep the expectations low, you know, a gator on meth in Florida, then the movie is OK. To be honest, it is a bit better than a lot of schlock I've watched recently. I am willing to give it 2.5 out of 5 stars. Watched 10/12. 
• Killer Workout (1987. Horror. Slasher. Also known as Aero-bicide). Plot description: "Two years ago, a young woman named Valerie was burned after entering a tanning salon. Now, her twin sister, Rhonda, runs a local gym where, all of a sudden, people are being murdered."  For starters, it is an 80s movie, and the details from the aerobics routines to the music soundtrack make that clear. Soundtrack also has that slasher film frenetic music at the right moments. The plot is pretty silly at times, and the movie is full of every other 80 fitness stereotypes including bimbos, jocks, the chubby guy on an exercise bike trying to lose weight, etc. Basically a murder happens, then we get an aerobics montage with gorgeous women and music, then some talking, murder, montage, rinse and repeat. The acting is not that good. The detective is trying to do this bad impression of tough detective, and it does not really work. If you are here for the women in spandex showing off, movie may be for you. For the horror, not to so much. The suspense is minimal, so is the gore, and it is not that scary. However, the deaths are relatively ordinary, so it's not like there is some humor or originality in killing the victims. The 80s brought us plenty of slasher films, so one drawing in the fitness craze of the decade had to come, but this is neither a good slasher nor a good horror film .About the only thing going for the film is the 80s soundtrack but not even that can save this film. In the end, the main issue with the film is that it is just boring. I've seen worse, so 1.5 out of 5 stars. The 1/2 star extra is for the ending, because that detective really was a dumbass at the end there. Watched 10/12. 
• Crackcoon (2024. Horror. Comedy, sort of). Plot description: "A raccoon ingests a discarded synthetic drug and mutates into a vicious killer. It rampages through a mountain community, threatening campers, tourists, and residents. No one is safe from the monstrous raccoon's violent onslaught." Another entry in the new as of this moment trend of movies featuring animals on some kind of illegal drugs. Well, for starters we get a nice panoramic view of woods and forest, which may be about the only good thing in the movie. After that, we go downhill starting with the somewhat ridiculous drug dealer the two junkies meet to get a fix. Laughable but not in a good comedy way; they are playing up he is gay, fabulously so, for laughs. He sells them a "super charged" drug, which drives one to kill the other, and it goes from there. The raccoon is a silly puppet effect, but that just adds to the fun a bit. The acting is low end, a bit overdone here or there, but some of the dialogue has amusing moments and humor here or there. You get some gore, the splashy low end kind that splatters a lot of (fake) blood. As for the rampaging raccoon, it is laughable, which is probably what makes this movie also a comedy. The deaths are ridiculous, but at times you can't help but at least giggle. I have to say, this is a low expectations movie, but it was a lot better than some other low expectation movies I've seen recently. The pace is steady. The deaths keep coming; that raccoon puppet sure gets around. This could be late night fare, have some beers, and pizza, and point and heckle. 2.5 out of 5 stars. Via online stream. Watched 10/16. 
• In terms of the cast, Jessa Flux (Charlotte in the film) may be the highlight (certainly good looking). Seems she has done a few other B-movies and low end films as a scream queen.
  

 

Next would be the non-horror movies I watched, but I did not manage to watch anything other than horror in October. Oh well.

Television and other series (basic show information links via Wikipedia unless noted otherwise). Some of these come in DVD from the public library. Others may be via YouTube, which, as noted before, I keep finding all sorts of other old shows in it, often full episodes:

• Hotel Impossible (2012-2017. Reality). Plot description: The show "is a reality television series from Travel Channel in which struggling non-chain hotels receive an extensive makeover by veteran hotel operator and hospitality expert Anthony Melchiorri and his team." Show lasted 8 seasons, including spin offs. Tubi just recently brought it in as four seasons, i.e. they combined seasons a bit, but it is not the complete run. Seems to be most of it though, so I am giving it a go a bit at a time. 
• The 21st episode in the series is a revisit episode where he goes back to see how 6 of the hotels he fixed are doing after his visit. 
• I managed to watch the first two seasons as Tubi has them. As I mentioned, they basically combined seasons together. In total, by the end of the month I've watched 40 episodes so far. This is one of those shows I can easily watch while doing something else, in other words, it does not require too much mental effort, and in the Hard Times, I appreciate that.

 

 

Book Review: Island of the Dead

Brian Keene, Island of the Dead. Lexington, KY: Apex Book Company, 2024. ISBN: 9781955765237.

Genre: horror and fantasy

Subgenre: zombies

Format: e-book galley

Source: Edelweiss Plus 

Brian Keene delivers some classic zombie fun in Island of the Dead. Einar is a barbarian enslaved in a galley. The galley is transporting troops and a mystery weapon to some war in a faraway land. As he rows, Einar is plotting an escape. A big storm hits them. Einar and some fellow captives end up shipwrecked in an uncharted island. However, being shipwrecked is the least of their problems as hoards of undead, zombies, are increasing in number and devouring anyone alive. Now Einar and his group of survivors need to figure out how to survive and get out of the island alive. 

Keene keeps the novel's pacing moving. There is some good action, but he also takes time to develop the characters and build the setting. Unlike other horror tales where the characters are mostly fodder for the monsters, Keene creates characters that readers care about. I kept on reading wanting to see if they escape or not. 

This is a light and fun novel. Einar may remind readers of characters like Conan the Barbarian, the one in the classic books. In addition, the novel reminded me a bit of tales like Sinbad the sailor and even a bit of Jules Verne's The Mysterious Island, for the island has its secrets as well. The novel draws a bit on this and that, adds zombies and horror, and it keeps you reading and entertained. 

The horror is there. There is some gore, but it is relatively light. It is enough to appeal to horror readers but draw in some fantasy readers as well. I liked how the characters had to figure things out. We the readers know zombies and what they are, but the characters have to piece hints and bits of information to  figure them out and how to fight them. In a time when it seems everybody knows what a zombie is, it was cool to see them through the eyes of folks just discovering the horror. 

I will note Keene gives us a bit of an open ending. Initially I was not too happy about that; I wanted to keep on reading. Then as I thought about it, the ending makes sense for this novel. I am sure other readers may think about the ending as well. 

If you like fantasy and sword and sorcery tales, you will probably enjoy this one. If you are looking for a horror fantasy to read for fun, this is a good choice. It can feel at times like an old school fantasy movie, so I wonder what if they made a film? Could be fun. I do recommend this for all libraries. Just display the book with other fantasy and/or horror books. I really liked it overall, even if it left me wanting more. Glad to have read it. 

4.5 out of 5 stars. 

This book qualifies for the following 2024 Reading Challenge: