Book Review: Harley's Little Black Book

ISBN: 9781401273606.

Genre: comics

Subgenre: superheroes

Format: e-book galley

Source: Netgalley  

I've enjoyed other volumes in the Conner and Palmiotti run on Harley Quinn, and this one was fun as well. 

This volume basically is an anthology of stories where Harley meets various characters from the DC universe such as Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Lobo, and others. Being Harley Quinn, we get all sorts of hijinks and mayhem, yet her heart is in the right place. 

For me, these comics are always good fun. This collection reminds me that comics can be fun and entertaining. If you want to get away from the dark and gloom of many comics today, this is a good option. The art is very good. This volume features a variety of artists, so you get a nice sampling of styles. Stories are fun and amusing, can be heartwarming here or there, and silly too. Overall, a nice selection and fun reading. 

4 out of 5 stars.   

Qualifies for the following 2025 Reading Challenge: 

Book Review: Arkham Asylum: Madness

Sam Keith, Arkham Asylum: Madness. New York: DC Comics, 2010. ISBN: 9781401223373

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: superheroes, villains, haunted asylum, art

Format: trade paperback

Source: UT Tyler Library. I had a note it was acquired via  a McNaughton plan. 

I picked this up this year, but I had a feeling I had read it before. I checked my Goodreads account, and sure enough, I had read it back in 2012, so it has been a while. For some reason, that review did not make it here, so I am posting it here now so I have it on the blog. What I wrote then still applies today, and I am still happy to have reread it. 

My 2012 review: 

First, what I need to say upfront: this is one of those books about peripheral characters in a series. It is the kind of story that you may or not like, and it is often a book just made to milk a franchise. With that out of the way, overall, it is a fairly good book, even though it does start very slow at first. However, once the pace picks up, it does hold on to you until the very end. In addition, the author does provide a pretty nice afterword with a dedication that is a bit of a twist. Worth a look for that.

The real strength in this book is the art. That is why I tagged it for my "art and photography" shelf as well as for my "graphic novels and comics shelf." Sure, there is a story in here: the story of one of the nurses working at Arkham Asylum, but you know the real interesting stuff are the inmates, and we do get a pretty good look at some of them. The nurse's story is kind of so-so. Now, the Joker as always steals the show and delivers a few twists and turns. However, as I said, the strength is really in the art and images of the book. The book is a pleasure to just look at and linger over. Definitely worth reading just for that. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

Qualifies for the following 2024 Reading Challenge: 

 

Book Review: Creature Commandos

Various authors, Creature Commandos. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2023. ISBN: 9781779524393. 

Genre: comics and graphic novels

Subgenre: classic horror monsters, DC Comics, World War II

Format: trade paperback, compilation

Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library

 

This is a DC 1980s comics series about a special commando unit in World War II. Led by human lieutenant Matthew Shrieve, the commandos are Warren Griffith (werewolf), Sergeant Vincent Velcro (vampire), Private Elliot "Lucky" Taylor (Frankenstein's Monster), and later joined by Dr. Myrra Rhodic, (a gorgon, though she lacks the power to turn men to stone). The volume collects 20 issues of the series that first appeared in the Weird War Tales comics series from DC. 

To be honest, this is not the best DC has created and published. The concept is great, and it reminds me of other classic monster groups. The main issue is in the scripts and stories; they are not that good. The stories are typical World War II patriotic fare, and that is still somewhat good even if there is not much depth. Light fare can be fun. The problem is the stories are saddled with some heavy melodrama and a good amount of treacle. The at times syrupy sentimentality just takes away from what can be fun action war stories. In addition, Shrieve constantly berating his team for the sake of being tough just gets old after a few issues. In addition, I do not think the comics have aged well. 

As I said, the overall concept is great, which is probably why DC is resurrecting it for a streaming series (link to Wikipedia). From the looks of it, as often happens in adaptations, they are taking quite a few creative liberties, so it may be interesting to see how far different the series is from the comics, but that is another story for another time. Back to the comics, I really wanted to like this collections, but the reading experience was a drag and tiresome after a while. Hardcore DC fans may like it better and/or want to read it to be completists, but casual readers may want to skip it and read something else. For me, it was just OK. 

2 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: United States of Murder Inc.

Brian Michael Bendis (author) and Michael Avon Oeming (artist), The United States of Murder Inc. Burbank, CA: DC Comics/Jinxworld, 2018. ISBN: 9781401287467.

Genre: comics and graphic novels

Subgenre: Mafia, crime, noir, alternate history

Format: e-book galley

Source: Netgalley  

In an alternate United States, the Cosa Nostra never fell. In fact, it fully controls parts of the East Coast, Chicago, and Las Vegas. When our story begins, Valentine Gallo just becomes a made man. He is sent to deliver a package to a U.S. Senator, which seems to be a somewhat routine task. However, shortly after he does the delivery, a bomb goes off and kills the senator. Was there a bomb in the package? Was the bomb part of some other plot? Now Valentine and his reluctant companion Jagger Rose, a hitwoman, are on the run from the Mafia and the Feds, and they need to clear their names and find out what really happened.  

The premise of the comic overall is interesting. This is a near future where the Mafia became stronger, and by now it's a fact of life. The story is fast paced once the events are in motion. The plot for the most part draws you in. However, there are one or two plot points that even for a fictional setting are a bit of a stretch, and they can detract from the overall story. 

In addition, the art is good but at times it is a little too dark. This is a noir comic, but when some panels are so dark and/or vague that you can't make out some of the details that can be an issue. 

Overall, I liked it, but I felt it could've been better. The art certainly needed more clarity. Still, it is an interesting action story in an alternate history setting. For libraries, I would say this is an optional selection. I would order it for our library if a patron requested it. It does end in a cliffhanger, so I may or not seek out the next volume. 

3 out of 5 stars.

Book qualifies for the following 2024 Reading Challenges: 

Book Review: Batman/Spawn: the Deluxe Edition

Various authors, Batman/Spawn: the Deluxe Edition. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2023.  ISBN: 9781779522818.

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: DC Comics, Image Comics, Batman, Spawn, superheroes, antiheroes, retrospective

Format: Hardcover

Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library

 

This volume is a compilation of three Batman and Spawn crossover stories. The volume includes the following: 

• Batman/Spawn #1 (2022).
• Batman/Spawn: War Devil #1 (1994).
• Spawn/Batman #1 (1994). 
• Behind the Capes: Pinups, variant covers and extras.

 

To be honest, this volume is very light in substance. It is really three single first issues. The other half of the volume is the extras. Without the extras, this would be a seriously light volume. If you are a completist and a fan of both characters, you may want to acquire this for your collection as it is a nice hardback in terms of production quality and aesthetics. Casual readers are better off borrowing it. 

The best part of the comics is the art. We get a look at the 1990s and today. It is interesting to see how the characters are depicted by different artists. The stories, however, are a bit underwhelming. The third story in the volume, written by Frank Miller, is the weakest. Batman and Spawn spend an awful lot of time in the story bickering like bratty children. How they manage to unite to get anything done with their petty attitudes is a bit of a miracle. This does not feel like Miller's best writing. The rivalry just seems forced. At times Batman is just a dick for no other reason than to be a dick. The War Devil story may be the best of the lot, with the new story in the middle in terms of ranking. 

Overall this book was OK. The concept is great, but the stories and writing leave much to be desired. I would say this is an optional selection for libraries with graphic novel collections. For completion, if libraries already have strong Batman and/or Spawn collections, then consider acquiring it. I am not buying it for our library unless requested. 

2 out of 5 stars. 

Short book review: Batman Adventures: Cat Got Your Tongue?

Various authors, Batman Adventures: Cat Got Your Tongue? Burbank, CA; DC Comics, 2021. ISBN: 9781779510808.

Genre: comics and graphic novels

Subgenre: superheroes, DC Comics, young adult

Format: hardcover

Source: Berea branch, Madison County (KY) Public Library

 

This volume in the series focuses on Catwoman. Catwoman falls in a sort of grey area. Is she a villain? an ally? an anti-hero? Maybe as cats can be, she just plays by her own rules. The stories here explore the character from various views. 

The volume features seven chapters plus a preview of Flash Facts, a graphic novel with tales of science and technology featuring DC heroes. 

In the stories, Catwoman does some capers, helps Batman a bit when not trying to stay a step ahead, and even meets Wonder Woman. Stories are light and entertaining, good fare for readers of all ages. The comics have different artists, so you see different art styles. A couple of the comics have a bit more of a noir look. 

Overall, this is a nice easy read that is light and entertaining. Fans of the animated series will likely enjoy it. I really liked it, and I'll look for more in the series. 

4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Batman Adventures: Nightwing Rising

Ty Templeton, Batman Adventures: Nightwing Rising. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2020. ISBN: 9781779507228.

 

Genre: comics and graphic novels

Subgenre: children and young adult, Batman comics, superheroes

Format: small hardcover

Source: Berea branch, Madison County (KY) Public Library 

 

Children grow up to be adults, and that includes Dick Grayson, also known as Robin the Boy Wonder. By now, Dick is becoming his own person, even questioning some of Batman's methods. He finally decides to leave, uncertain of his future. The one thing he is certain of is a desire to keep learning and training. So he travels the world seeking teachers, martial arts masters, and shamans. Meanwhile, back in Gotham, Batman and Batgirl deal with the Joker and the Riddler among others. 

This is an all ages comic based on Batman: the Animated Series and preserves the same art style. If you enjoyed that, you will likely enjoy this volume as well. The volume includes six stories. In addition to Dick's story of becoming Nightwing, we also get Tim Drake starting on his path to become the new Robin. 

The story is good with plenty of action. This is a very easy read with a positive note. If you want something lighter than the common dreary, dark, and often overwrought stories DC regularly cranks out, grab one of these volumes. They are certainly not just for kids. Sometimes you want to read something lighter and positive that does not need 20 crossovers to read the full story. This was overall a fun volume with good colorful art. It was a nice easy read. I will be looking for other volumes in the series. 

This is a good selection for libraries with graphic novel collections. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

Book Review: Harley Quinn, Volume 3: Red Meat

Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, et.al., Harley Quinn, Volume 3: Red Meat. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2017. ISBN: 9781401273699.

Genre: comics and graphic novels

Subgenre: DC Comics, antiheroes

Format: e-galley

Source: NetGalley

 

This volume is part of the DC Rebirth series. It is the third volume in the Conner and Palmiotti run of Harley Quinn comics. In this volume, Harley Quinn may think all she has to worry about is her parents visiting. Oh, but there is more. She has to deal with New York City's corrupt mayor and his plan to deal with the homeless population, then Harley Sinns returns, and there is still more. 

The volume features various plots going on, and initially we may not be sure how they connect or not. Some plot elements work better than others. The future Gotham plot line does not work as well, and we probably could have done without it. The rest of the stories would have been fine. For this part of the run, the writers may have tried to pack too much in. This part of the run does end in a cliffhanger, so we'll need to read the next volume to see how things turn out. 

Overall, the comic as a whole remains pretty good. I appreciate Harley Quinn's moments of empathy here. The humor throughout remains good and a good reason to read the series. The art is also very good. In comics, for me this is a favorite rendition of Harley Quinn. 

This volume collects stories from Harley Quinn, issues 14-21, and it includes a section of extras and cover gallery. I recommend it for libraries with graphic novel collections, especially if they already collect this series and/or other Batman comics. I liked it, but it felt a bit crowded in terms of material at times. Still I am willing to read the next one. 

3 out of 5 stars. 

This title qualifies for the following 2023 Reading Challenge: 

Book Review: Harley Quinn, Volume 1: No Good Deed

Stephanie Phillips (author) and Riley Rossmo (artist), Harley Quinn, Volume 1: No Good Deed. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2021. ISBN: 9781779514233.

Genre: comics and graphic novels

Subgenre: superheroes

Format: trade paperback

Source: Berea branch, Madison County (KY) Public Library

 

We have a new author, and a new artist, and yet another new run for the character in the comics. Harley returns to Gotham City after the events of the Joker  War (link to my review of that series). Harley wants to atone for her sins and do good. However, Gotham is not feeling too welcoming. In a decision that makes no sense (at least in a sane world), the city names Dr. Hugo Strange to run a radical "therapy" program for criminal clowns remaining from the Joker War. He definitely has his sights on Harley Quinn. 

To be honest, the story is a bit of a mess. The Hugo Strange plot just seems desperate. I know it's hard times for Gotham, but still it does not quite work. Compared to previous Harley Quinn runs, this story tries to be more serious, and that just does not work well either. The new art does not do any favors to the story. It's a somewhat child-like style closer to some television cartoons, and it just does not suit the story well. To be honest, the best parts are the supplement issues from Batman Urban Legends issue 1 and Harley Quinn issue 6. The first issue has Harley with Poison Ivy, and the second features Harley in an adventure with Catwoman. Both of those comics have different artists with the more realistic art style that just works. The main story art seems inferior by comparison. 

Overall, I'd consider this a very optional selection. I enjoy Harley Quinn comics, some of which I have reviewed on this blog (you can check the DC Comics tag), but I may wait until this run ends and DC gets a new writer and artist team before I try again. If you must read it, borrow it. This is not one I would buy for our graphic novels collection. 

1 out of 5 stars.

Top Graphic Novels, Comics, and Manga I Read in 2022

These are my top reads in graphic novels, comics, and manga for 2022. These are titles that I rated at four or five stars. The list is in no particular order, and if I have a review done by now, I am including a link. 

Usagi Yojimbo: Bunraku and Other Stories.

Bomb Run and Other Stories.

Star Wars Age of Rebellion: Villains.

From the review: "I personally liked the Tarkin story, which shows how ruthless he can be. The Jabba the Hutt tale was pretty good too with a bit of a twist revealing that the gangster can also be practical."

Shadowman, Book One.

From my review: "For starters, the art in this book is very good. Early on Shadowman and Baron Samedi look very good. I particularly liked the sort of dark and fun portrayal of Baron Samedi. The art overall is colorful and can be a bit evocative."

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 1.

From my review: "Story combines good action with a bit of the grittiness Batman comics are known for, and it also maintains the humor that distinguishes TMNT comics."

Deadpool Samurai, Volume 1.

From my review: "Deadpool's humor is spot on in this series. His fourth wall breaks are great, and he aims his humor at everyone up to and including his publishers-- Marvel and Shonen Jump. "

Deadpool Samurai, Volume 2.

From my review: "The Merc With the Mouth is back and still doing all sorts of hijinks in Tokyo as part of the newly formed team Samurai Squad."

Space Pirate Captain Harlock.

From my review: "Author Alquié takes Matsumoto's story and art in a new direction that is a sequel to the 1970s original series.  If you watched and enjoyed the original series, you'll probably enjoy this one as well."

Lady Mechanika, Volume 6: Sangre.

From my review: "This is a solid selection for libraries with graphic novel collections. I'd buy it for our library."

The Art of Sushi.

 

From my review: "The author travels from France to Japan to learn all he can about sushi. Along the way not only do we learn about sushi, but we also learn about elements of sushi such as the fish and the rice as well as those who make it and even related topics like sake and soy sauce."

Book Review: Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II

James Tynion IV, et.al., Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2018. ISBN: 9781401280314.

Genre: comics and graphic novels

Subgenre: superheroes

Format: e-book galley

Source: NetGalley 

 

Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles come together once more. When Donatello, the smart one, feels he is not as strong a fighter as his brothers, he tries to contact Batman, who he sees as a smart guy who can also fight. Donatello is looking for advice. However, the portal travel accidentally brings Bane into the turtles' New York City. Now Batman and Robin have to team up with the Turtles to stop Bane, and Donatello learns a valuable lesson in the end. 

The premise here was a bit silly, but if you don't think about it too  much the comics work overall. The story is entertaining and fast paced. It just keeps you reading. The story blends action with a bit of humor. The comics are in full color with a bit of a gritty style. I really liked it as it drew me in and had good elements from both Batman and TMNT comics. 

If you are a fan of either franchise, you'll likely enjoy this. If you read the previous volume (link to my review), you should pick this up as well. The volume can stand on its own. I do recommend this one. A good selection for libraries, especially if you already have Batman and/or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles titles. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

This book qualifies for the following 2023 Reading Challenges: 

Book Review: The Joker War Saga

James Tynion IV, et.al., The Joker War Saga. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2021. ISBN: 9781779511799.

 

Genre: comics and graphic novels

Subgenre: Batman, superhero comics

Format: hardcover

Source: Berea branch, Madison County (KY) Public Library 

 

 

This volume collects the DC Comics Joker War series. It includes Batman comics as well as various related issues of other comics that cross over with the Batman comics.

 

In this series, Joker somehow manages to steal Bruce Wayne's fortune and resources. He then uses them to wage his war on Batman, his allies, and Gotham City. The city becomes a war zone, and Batman and his allies have to stop him. 

To be honest, the main issue with this volume is that the story is a mess. It is a Joker story, so bound to be messy, but this is really a mess. At times, the story is not really coherent. The story just moves along from one scene to another, and things do not always seem connected. Part of that may be the crossovers with other characters like Nightwing, Batwoman, Batgirl, etc., but also it's just not well organized overall. The story feels chaotic and disorganized even for a Joker story. At the end of the day, it's Batman and Joker going at it again. The Joker may be Batman's quintessential villain, but this does feel like more of the same. 

The art is good, but it is not great. The style is mostly consistent throughout; it's the one consistent thing. It does vary a little in one or two issues. 

This is definitely one to borrow if you want to read it. Libraries with graphic novel and comics collections may want to buy it for their hardcore Batman fans, though I would consider it an optional purchase for my library. I would not order it unless a patron requested it, and even then I'd encourage them to do an interlibrary loan request first. 

Overall, I'd say this is optional rather than essential reading. It was just OK for me. 

2 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Chase (DC Comics)

J.H. Williams III, et.al., Chase. New York: DC Comics, 2011.  ISBN: 9781401232771.

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre; DC Comics, detectives, government agents

Format: trade paperback

Source: Berea branch, Madison County (KY) Public Library 

 

This volume collects the 1990s series about Agent Cameron Chase. Chase, a private investigator, gets a job with the Department of Extranormal Operations, a federal agency that has jurisdiction over superhuman activities. Chase despises superhumans, but she also has powers of her own she starts to discover. The volume features appearances by various DC characters including Batman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and others. 

 

I would say this series is a bit like The X-Files without a lot of the woo. It has a skeptical investigator, a secret agency with a lot of influence and resources, conspiracies, some mysteries, and even a mysterious agency director. If you like those kind of stories, you'll probably enjoy this volume. For me, this is a new discovery, and I enjoyed it greatly. The writers strive to create a strong and humane character in Cameron Chase. She is a common woman working to keep superhumans, heroes and villains, in check while trying to understand herself. 

 

Most of the stories are well written and entertaining. I would say the first 2/3 or so of the volume are the best part. The futuristic story from the Chase #1,000,000 issue felt more like filler, and the plot for it was not that good. Speaking of filler, you can tell when the writers had a slow week because that is when you get stories with flashbacks and remembrances; the plot at such times does not move much. Still most of the volume is a solid read. 

 

The volume's art is mainly by J.H. Williams III. This is good, solid 1990s art that combines realism, grit, and color. 

 

Overall, in a time when comics trip over themselves trying to be extremely dark, "edgy," and too serious, this is a pretty good and entertaining yarn that combines action, mystery, a bit of drama, and suspense relatively well. This is a series from a time when comics could still be fun. If you missed it back then, then consider picking it up now. I did enjoy it as it is something different than the usual superhero comics. 

 

I picked this up from my local public library, mostly out of curiosity, and it was worth it. This is one for libraries with graphic novel collections, especially if you already have the "usual" DC Comics fare like Batman, Superman, etc. 

 

I really liked this one. 

 

4 out of 5 stars.  

Book Review: Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 1

James Tynion IV, et.al., Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 1. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2016.  ISBN: 9781401262785.

 

Genre: Graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: superheroes, crossovers

Format: e-book galley

Source: NetGalley

 

Initially I was a bit skeptical how this crossover between DC Comics and IDW would work. Turns out it works out pretty well. The author and artist manage to keep the essence of the characters from both settings, and they interact pretty well. 

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) find themselves transported by a dimensional portal to Gotham City from their own New York. Their enemy Shredder and the Foot Clan also get transported to Gotham. Shredder figures he may as well try to take over Gotham, but he soon has to figure out alliances with the local villains including the Penguin, Ras Al Ghul, and others out of Arkham Asylum. Meanwhile, the TMNT get to meet Batman, and after a bit of a rocky start they become allies. The Turtles are fighting also against time because the mutagen that makes them who they are does not exist in Batman's universe. This means it will go inert and turn them back into normal turtles if they do not return to their world soon. 

As I said, this comic turns out to be very good. It is fast paced. The reader gets dropped right in the middle of the action, and soon we follow the story from there. Story combines good action with a bit of the grittiness Batman comics are known for, and it also maintains the humor that distinguishes TMNT comics. While it is a dramatic story, there are plenty of moments to make readers smile as well. 

The art is very good as well. It captures the characters well. It is a bit realistic within the overall fantasy style. Art is also in full color, which makes this volume a pleasure to read. 

Fans of either Batman or the TMNT will probably enjoy this. I certainly did. This is a good selection for libraries with graphic novel and comics collections. If the libraries already collect comics for either series, then this can be a good addition to the collection as well. Overall, I really liked this one, and I am likely to read the next installment of this series.

4 out of 5 stars. 

This book qualifies for the following 2020 Reading Challenge: 

Book Review: Green Lantern Year One, Volume 1

Corinna Bechko, et.al., Green Lantern Year One, Volume 1. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2018. ISBN: 9781401241865.

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: DC Comics, Green Lantern, science fiction

Format: e-book galley

Source: NetGalley

 

Usually I find the Earth One series from DC Comics to be pretty good. This Green Lantern volume was a bit underwhelming when compared to other titles in the series. In a not too far future, Hal Jordan works for a deep space mining company. He is disillusioned, and he remembers the days when NASA used to exist and promote the nobility of space exploration. Now, in one of the asteroids his team is mining, they find what appears to be an alien spacecraft. He finds a ring that turns out to be quite powerful. Soon he is in another part of the galaxy, where the Green Lantern Corps has fallen. It falls up to an untrained Hal Jordan and a few reluctant corps survivors to attempt to restore the Green Lantern Corps. 

To be honest, this book is a quick read, but it is not particularly memorable. The pace picks up, and the story feels seriously rushed. You can't really connect to anyone because the characters and plot are barely given any depth. It's just a rushed whirlwind. Since it is the first volume in a series, it does end in a cliffhanger. 

Overall, this felt flat and rushed. After I finished reading it, it just did not feel memorable. Long time fans of Green Lantern may be disappointed here. Casual readers hoping to get a good look at Green Lantern may want to consider other works. This is just a quick and forgettable read. For libraries, I would say this is highly optional. For me, it was just OK. 

2 out of 5 stars. 

Qualifies for these 2021 Reading Challenges: 

Three Favorite Books, as requested by our student worker

One of our student workers in our library is making a display for August of staff picks. She asked each of us to list three favorite books. I turned in my selections recently, and I decided to make a blog post as well here. In addition, I decided to use the prompt to make my first ever YouTube video (link to video). I've thinking about expanding my "brand" into vlogging, so this is as good a time as any. I've been an active blogger for years now, but vlogging is new to me. As with blogging, I will just be learning as I go. We'll see how it goes. 

Anyways, here are my three favorite books at this time. Books are not listed in any particular order: 

My three favorite books

• Batman: The Long Halloween.  Graphic novel. Batman faces the challenge of a serial killer who kills during major holidays starting with Halloween. The killings go on for a full year, and they involve mob figures. Soon mobsters are worried about the killer they’ve dubbed Holiday and about what has become “the long Halloween.” This is a story from Batman’s early days where he strikes a deal with Commissioner Gordon and Harvey Dent to bring down the mob, but Harvey may have dark secrets of his own as well. This is one of my favorite Batman stories, and I try to reread it every year in October, close to Halloween. Reading this is one of the ways I get ready for Halloween and the fall season.
  
• Cien años de soledad (One Hundred Years of Solitude). Many consider this to be Garcia Marquez’s masterpiece. The novel chronicles 100 years of the Buendia family in the fictional town of Macondo in Colombia. Magic realism, fiction, history, beauty, the bizarre, so on blend into a complex and engrossing novel. This is my all-time favorite novel, which I read in Spanish. I’ve had read this many times, and I make it a point to reread it every four or five years or so. Basically when I feel it is time to go back to Macondo I grab the book and start reading. The copy in the photograph was my mother’s personal copy, which she gave me before I went off to college as a young lad. It’s a simple paperback edition published by Argos Vergara in 1980. She bought from a local book club, and I do have the original receipt inside the book. It’s a bit tattered, but it is one of the very few belongings I have of my mother after she passed on. For me, this novel is a universal work, and I think more people should be reading it. Every time I reread it I discover something new.
  
• Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium. Choosing the third book for this prompt was not easy as I had a few options. I finally decided to go with this. This omnibus edition collects the first three novels in the Ciaphas Cain series in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Cain is a regimental commissar (political officer). He is respected by peers, space marines, government officials, and he is a hero to many. So says the imperial propaganda. However, as he would have you believe, he just wants an easy life far away from the front lines. However, it seems the Emperor has other plans for him as he is constantly put in dangerous situations where he has to use all his combat skills, his guile, and ingenuity to save the day. Problem is he saves the day, people think he is a hero, and now he has to keep that reputation. Unlike other science fiction works where similar heroes are cowards, Cain is actually quite brave and a very skilled warrior as well as a pretty pragmatic man. He is described as a skilled swordsman for instance. His issue, and one I can relate to at times, is he just wants an easy life, like say being a teacher in a schola for commissars (i.e. a military academy). The novels combine military science fiction action with some good humor and amusing times. This is one of those things I read just for the fun and pleasure. This Ciaphas Cain volume introduced me to the character as well as to the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
  

On a side note, I thought I had written reviews of these, but upon checking the blog files, turns out I did not. I may then write short reviews of them down the road for the blog. 

 

Top Graphic Novels and Comics Read in 2020

This is my list of my top comics and/or graphic novels I read during 2020. List is based on titles I read that I rated 4 or 5 stars. Links go to the reviews of the titles so you can check them out. 

Hit-Girl in Colombia, Volume 1

 

 Redbone: the True Story of a Native American Rock Band

 

 

Ripley's Believe It Or Not! (Zenescope series)

 

 

 

 

Batman: White Knight

 

 

 

Lady Mechanika: La Dama de la Muerte

Booknote: JSA Liberty Files: The Whistling Skull

B. Clay Moore and Tony Harris, JSA Liberty Files: The Whistling Skull. New York: DC Comics, 2013. ISBN: 9781401242510.

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: superheroes, adventure, mystery, secret agents

Format: trade paperback

Source: I own this one

Initially I was not sure what to make of this. The cover art and description made me curious, plus Half Price Books had it on clearance when I got it, so I took a chance. 

The Whistling Skull is a hero and secret agent who works for the organization Skeleton. He has the ability to draw on memories of his predecessors to solve problems and accomplish his missions. Knuckles is his assistant. 

One of the mysteries he has to solve is the disappearance of his predecessor, who was working out in Japan. However, that case has to wait because first he needs to solve the mystery of townsfolk disappearances in  remote Swiss village during World War II. Is there a connection to a traveling caravan of freak performers? Is it something more sinister? 

The story starts in the midst of the action. The story then flashes back to show glimpses of Skull and Knuckles as children giving us a look at their early days and hinting at how the current Skull is connected to his predecessor. The story then moves to Switzerland where the main story takes place and Japan where the previous Skull disappeared. After the first issue in this collection, the story's pacing settles in, and we get a pretty good story. The story combines action with a mystery to solve. The Whistling Skull is more detective and secret agent, and this is a good character. The art is very good. It combines a bit of darkness and macabre with good color. 

Overall this was an entertaining and fun read. It's different than the usual super powered hero tales, and I liked that. If you like comics like The Shadow you might like this one. The story stands on its own, but there is an opening for further adventures. The volume also includes an appendix of character files presented as top secret memos, a nice touch. I really like this one and would recommend it.

 4 out of 5 stars. 

 This book qualifies for the following 2021 Reading Challenges: 

 

Booknote: Batman: Curse of the White Knight

Sean Gordon Murphy, et.al., Batman: Curse of the White Knight. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2020.  ISBN: 978-1-77950-448-7.

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: superheroes

Format: e-book galley

Source: NetGalley

 

While I enjoyed Batman: White Knight (link to my review), I am not as enthusiastic about this sequel. On the positive, the story has a fast pace, so it was a fairly quick read for me. The sympathetic and strong portrayal of Harley Quinn is also a positive for the volume. However, that is about it. 

A big issue with this volume is the very convoluted plot that is not always easy to follow. In addition, it feels like the authors just keep tossing in plot elements just to see what may stick or not. As if that was not enough, Azrael kills just about every other major villain, which made me wonder who would be left when all this is said and done. Where the first story was intriguing, this one is a mess, and it just seems hellbent on destroying the Batman character. This does not seem sensible given no clear alternative is presented (or one that makes sense. Yes, I am aware this is a comic book, but still some degree of coherence is desirable). 

Overall, compared to the first volume, this one was disappointing. It has fast pacing, flash, explosions, and killing, and that is about it. The plot is a convoluted mess that makes me thankful this is on DC's Black Label (i.e. an alternative story). The ending sets up yet another sequel. I'll probably read it just to see where this train wreck ends, but I am keeping the expectations low. I do wonder how much more they can stretch this out. 

 

By the way, I am not recommending this for library graphic novel collections. If you got the first one, and you feel a need to complete the set, I guess go for it, but this is one that is avoidable. 

2 out of 5 stars barely. 

Book qualifies for these 2020 Reading Challenges: 

#ArcApocalypse

Booknote: Batman: White Knight

Sean Gordon Murphy, Batman: White Knight. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2018. ISBN: 9781401279592.

Genre: comics and graphic novels
Subgenre: superheroes
Format: e-book galley
Source: NetGalley

The story is set in a Gotham City where the Joker, thanks to a seriously good dose of pills, is cured of his madness. He is still a serious genius, so he argues his own legal case to be released, and he gets released. Known now as Jack Napier, he wants to fix the corruption that ails the city and its real problem: Batman. Napier goes on a political crusade to discredit Batman that works so well even Batman's allies Nightwing and Batgirl wonder if they are on the right side or not.

I was very intrigued by this comic's premise. I've not read a good Batman comic, let alone a good DC one in a while. This was not perfect, but it was very good. The story's basic premise is good and intriguing; what if Joker's madness was cured? Most of the story is good overall, and it also touches on contemporary topics like police brutality, police and municipal corruption, activism, civil rights, and even a bit of World War II history. I thought the story plot of Mr. Freeze's father being a former Nazi criminal brought to the U.S., with Thomas Wayne's assistance, was an interesting angle. If you have never read about Operation Paperclip, go do so after reading this comic.

The relationship between Jack Napier and Dr. Harleen Quinzel (Harley Quinn) was done well. Throughout the comics there are some moments between them that can be very touching. Harley Quinn does get a pretty good portrayal, coming across as pretty strong as well as passionately in love as well as willing to do right when it comes right down to it.

The story has good pacing. It is a bit of a long volume at about 230 pages, but the story keeps your attention. Author weaves plots and conspiracies to make you wonder if Jack Napier is really cured or not. Is Batman's skepticism really justified? One just keeps reading to find out. While I found the last act with the various batmobiles a bit much, the story as a whole is interesting and engaging.

For libraries that collect graphic novels, this is a must have, especially for Batman fans. It is one we eventually got for our library's collection. Overall, I really liked it. I learned there is a sequel, so I will be looking for it.

4 out of 5 stars.

This book qualifies for the following 2020 Reading Challenges

ArcApocalypse