Book Review: The Boys Omnibus, Volume 6

Garth Ennis, et.al., The Boys Omnibus Volume 6. Mount Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2020. ISBN: 9781524108595.  ISBN: 9781524113377. 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: superheroes, antiheroes, satire, adapted to television

Format: trade paperback omnibus edition

Source: Hutchins Library, Berea College 

 

As I look back, I realize I read and reviewed volume 5 almost a year ago; that review is dated April 11, 2025. I will include links to the previous reviews in the series below. Anyhow, I finally picked this up and read it, thus completing the series. As I have stated before, I have not seen the Amazon series. 

This volume includes issues 60-72 of the original comics, which bring us to the end of the series. In addition, the volume includes some bonus materials including the original series pitch with author commentary, the series cover gallery, and a pin-up gallery. 

The inevitable confrontation between The Seven, led by the Homelander, and The Boys arrives. When Homelander schemes a coup to take over the United States, The Boys and the U.S. military spring into action. But that is not all. Ennis gives us a surprise twist, and then we soon realize that Butcher has a plan of his own to eliminate the supes once and for all. 

Once the story starts the pace is swift, and you just keep on reading. The story draws you in. Just when you think things may settle, the plot goes on. We get drama, action, heart breaks, betrayal, and more. 

The art is very good, but it is also very graphic including some gore at times. There are reasons this series is rated for "mature readers," and I suspect the Amazon series seriously tones down some of the graphic elements. Feel free to comment if my suspicion is accurate or not. Still, the art is well produced, and it is another reason to read this volume and series. 

The author's commentary in the story on topics like U.S. politics, corruption, corporations, and their abuses of power remain as timely as ever. This last volume, the compilation, came out in 2020. The series itself started in 2006, running to 2012. It is within that context that The Boys operate. 

Overall, this series remains a good series and a solid story. Even in this year and time, it holds up well both for the action and the intrigue story and its social and political commentary. Again, it can be very violent, so not for the faint of heart. Otherwise a great work, and a pretty good way to end the series. That is all I will say to avoid spoilers just in case. 

I do recommend it for libraries that collect comics and graphic novels. I prefer these omnibus editions to the previous trade paperbacks, and I'd encourage libraries to get the omnibus editions. We got them at our library. This is one I really liked, and as a whole, I'd add the series to my personal collection. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

 

Qualifies for the following 2026 Reading Challenge: 

 

Links to reviews of previous volumes: 

• Volume 1.
• Volume 2.
• Volume 3.
• Volume 4.
• Volume 5.  

 

 

Book Review: The Boys Omnibus, Volume 5

Garth Ennis, et.al., The Boys Omnibus, Volume 5. Mount Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2020. ISBN: 9781524113346.

Genre: comics and graphic novels

Subgenre: heroes and antiheroes

Format: trade paperback

Source: Hutchins Library, Berea College 

I continue reading the series. Let's get the main issue out of the way. This part of the run can be a serious drag at times. A bit part of the run is Hughie's meeting with Mallory. Hughie is there to learn about The Boys' history and their predecessor operators. We get some flashback scenes, but a lot of the narrative is literally Mallory and Hughie sitting and talking. It is basically two guys sitting and talking page after page. It can get a bit tiring. 

The volume does have some highlights. For me, the story "Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker" may be the best one. Butcher returns home to bury his father. In a private moment talking to the corpse at the funeral home, he tells him and us his story. It is Butcher's tale of young recklessness, a dysfunctional home, fighting in the Falklands, and the woman he loved and tragically lost. The story is well drawn and illustrated, keeping the just talking to the dead man to a minimum. The story does telegraphy a bit the coming tragedy, but it is still pretty powerful once you get there. From that point, Butcher is seriously motivated to take down the supes by any means necessary. 

Overall, the story continues to be pretty good. At this point, we are starting to head towards the eventual confrontations and then end of the series. This volume moves the plot forward, but it also spends a lot of time looking back. If you've made it this far, you'll probably keep reading. I know I will. 

4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: The Boys Omnibus, Volume 4

Garth Ennis, et.al., The Boys Omnibus, Volume 4. Mt. Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2019.  ISBN: 9781524111403.

 

Genre: Graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: superheroes, antiheroes, satire, adapted to television

Format: trade paperback omnibus edition

Source: Hutchins Library, Berea College

 

In this volume we get a lot more movement and some big developments. The big event is Hughie finding out that Annie January, his girlfriend, is the superhero known as Starlight. This leads to a very ugly breakup, not so much her being a hero as him having seen a video of her rape. Only reason he saw that is that Butcher had it, showed it to him hoping to stoke Hughie's anger and use that anger when it comes time to confront The Seven down the road. Hughie's treatment of Annie is awful, though not as surprising as some may say. While Hughie is not the most enlightened guy-- and to be honest not many men have any degree of enlightenment in this series-- he is also struggling with serious trauma and issues of his own. That is not an excuse, but let's say it can be a mitigating circumstance. After the break up, Hughie heads back home to his Scottish village to get his mind a break and find some solace. Even there, trouble finds him, and so does Annie, who travels all the way there seeking reconciliation. Hughie eventually apologizes, acknowledges his and her traumas, and it appears reconciliation may come. We'll have to see. 

Another highlight in this volume is the superhero group Super Duper making an appearance in this part of the run. As the publisher describes them, ". . .the real superheroes: the warriors for truth and justice, who fight to make things right and ask for nothing in return." This is a group of young heroes on the C-list, not exactly a big deal. A couple of members would be classified as "special needs" folks. But they love each other, have made a family of their own with kindness, and they do make their local public appearances when Vought-American requests it. They can't even rescue a cat from a tree, but you can't help but love them and feel for them. For me, this part of the run was a nice moment of sweetness in what is often a pretty bleak comic book. 

The rest of the run is good overall. We continue to get some action and dark humor along the way. What we also get are more schemes and plots. Homelander has been scheming a plan for a while, and now he starts putting feelers out to see which supes may go along. We also get a look at Believe, a big superhero evangelical Christian event which Homelander, of all people, sums up well in issue 47: "Believe. It's just a scam designed to separate halfwits like you from your money." Meanwhile, the head of supes development at VA is moving along with plots of his own. There is a lot going on behind scenes, which sets readers to keep reading just to see how things develop. 

An issue this time, for me, is that the authors seriously dragged out the Hughie and Annie conflict. They kept that tension stretching. It got me reading, but it could have been completed sooner. Still, I continue to find the story interesting, especially the machinations and world building. There are a lot of small details that can be fascinating. 

Overall, I am still liking the series, and I will continue reading, so on to volume 5. 

4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: The Boys Omnibus, Volume 3

Garth Ennis, et.al., The Boys Omnibus, Volume 3. Mt. Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2019. ISBN: 978-1-524-11003-1.

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: superheroes, antiheroes, satire, adapted to television

Format: trade paperback omnibus edition

Source: Hutchins Library, Berea College

 

I continue reading through this series, and I am still enjoying it. This volume includes the short series The Boys: Herogasm, issues 1-6 and the regular run of The Boys, issues 31-38. In addition, this omnibus has a few bonus materials including "The Comic That Got the Legend Fired." 

Herogasm is a big "crossover" event for the Seven, Payback, Teenage Kix, and all other supes in Vought American's payroll. Naturally The Boys see it as an opportunity to net a big fish. As for the regular series, The Boys get targeted and take some heavy wounds. Things get close to death for some team members. In the last issues of the series for this volume we get to learn along with Wee Hughie the stories of Mother's Milk, the Femme, and Frenchie. For those following the series, this is interesting material. I certainly found it interesting. No, we do not get Butcher's story yet. 

Overall, the series packs a lot of action with dark humor. Yes it remains very graphic at times, but let's be honest, that is part of the series and works for the comic. The stories are fast paced, but readers also need to pay close attention to some details. The series continues to be entertaining and interesting, and I am wondering how far things will go. The art continues to be well done, and it carries the story well. 

This is a great addition to the series. It is an engaging read, and for me it's better than many of the usual superhero comics out there, certainly better than a lot of what the Big 2 are putting out there these days. It's got humor. It has a bit of a comment on current events, but it is part of the comics' natural flow. I am enjoying the world building it does too, which I think may appeal to some readers who like alternate history. I highly recommend it. 

5 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: The Boys Omnibus, Volume 2

Garth Ennis, et.al., The Boys Omnibus, Volume 2. Mount Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2019. ISBN: 9781524109707.

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: superheroes, antiheroes, satire, adapted to television

Format: trade paperback omnibus edition

Source: Hutchins Library, Berea College 

This volume includes issues 15-30 of the series plus the following extras: 

• An introduction by Brian K. Vaughn.
• Garth Ennis' script to The Boys #17.
• Sketches by Darick Robertson and John Higgins. 
• All of the series covers by Darick Robertson.
• All alternate covers by John Cassaday, Jim Lee, and others. 

The story continues from the last volume. Wee Hughie and Annie January's love continues to blossom, and they both remain ignorant of each other's alter ego. Their intimacy does have some humorous moments. Meanwhile, the conflicts continue as plots thicken. A major focus in this arc is the G-Men group, which is Vought-American's most profitable team. By the way, this one is pretty clearly based on the X-Men down to the name of the group based on the leader/owner's name, in this case John Godolkin, who claims he is training orphans to be superheroes. However, in reality he is a kidnapper and a pedophile. His "children" all hate him yet they are also fiercely loyal to him. 

This continues to be an engaging and interesting series. For this particular volume, the pace does slow down quite a bit when Hughie visits The Legend, and The Legend spends time telling Hughie about the origins of the supes, major scandals, and other facts and stories Hughie asks about and/or needs to know for his work with The Boys. While it is interesting, this part of the volume is a lot of text to read, and it does slow the pace down a bit. However, we do learn some things including how incompetent The Seven can really be and why the Brooklyn Bridge was destroyed on 9/11 instead of the Twin Towers. The incompetence of The Seven does bring up a question comic books rarely answer about superheroes: how, if in any way, do they have any training to do what they do? For example, we know how Batman has trained. Wonder Woman is an Amazon warrior, so she has that training. But the universe of The Boys, well, the heroes are not that well trained to do what they are supposed to do if at all. The Boys are CIA operatives, though Hughie is the least trained of them which is why he has to go through his learning curve. There are still plenty of revelations and twists in the stories.  

Overall, this continues to be a solid series. As before, it is gritty, and it is very graphic in terms of violence and sex, so if you are a sensitive reader this is your warning. I am fine with such things, and I am enjoying the series very much for the good writing, good story, and overall the art is good also. I am looking forward to reading the next volume in the series. 

As I noted before, I have not seen the Amazon Prime series, but I would say if you have, you have not read the comics, you probably should. It may add to your appreciation of the television series. As I said in my review of the first volume, these are volumes I would add to my personal collection, and the omnibus editions make good value for libraries with graphic novel collections. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

This quote from Brian K. Vaughan's introduction to the volume caught my eye and explains the comic well: 

"Even though the big liar [Garth Ennis] will claim this is all just supposed to be a bit of subversive fun, I think Garth is really writing a damning examination of America's military industrial complex (or "military-industrial-congressional," as Eisenhower originally wanted to call it)." 

The Legend expands on that topic a bit in one of the moments he is talking to Hughie: 

"All of the senators an' reps whose campaigns they backed. All their own people they got appointed to committees. There's nothin' new about it-- Grumman an' General Motors an' Colt do it to this day-- an' most important of all, I'll say it again: There ain't nothing secret about it." 

As George Carlin would label it, we are talking about the Real Owners. 

This book qualifies for these 2021 Reading Challenges: 

Book Review: The Boys Omnibus, Volume 1

Garth Ennis, et.al., The Boys Omnibus Volume 1. Mount Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2019. ISBN: 9781524108595.

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: superheroes, antiheroes, satire, adapted to television

Format: trade paperback omnibus edition

Source: Hutchins Library, Berea College 

 

This volume includes issues 1-14 of the series plus bonus extras: 

• Introduction by Scott Dunbier.
• A 4-page short comic made for fundraising for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
• Ennis' script for The Boys issue 4.
• Sketches and concept art by Darick Robertson.
• Series covers.

I will say up front that if you are a fan of the comics and/or the Amazon series, spending a bit more to get these omnibus editions may be worth it given the extras. 

 The Boys takes place in a world where costumed superheroes are a fact of life. They may have wholesome public images, but more often than not they are anything but wholesome. From corrupt to outright evil, these supes get out of line, and when they do, The Boys come in to keep them in line by any means necessary. Billy Butcher leads The Boys-- Wee Hughie, Mother's Milk, The Frenchman, and The Female. They are back by the CIA. This is the basic premise of the series. 

The story mainly follows The Boys, and much of the story centers on Wee Hughie, the newest member of the group. The story also follows The Seven, the most famous and prominent of various superhero groups; much of the story of The Seven focuses on Starlight, a.k.a. Annie January, a wholesome sincere and very innocent Christian who soon learns the dark truths of The Seven. These are the main story lines, but there are plenty of twists, turns, and side stories. This series packs a lot.

Before I go further, I do need to note this is a comic series for adults that includes sexual situations, graphic violence, and very dark humor. If you are offended easily, certain issues trigger you, and you lack a sense of humor, do not pick up this comic. Also, this is not a comic for children. It has a "mature readers" rating for a reason. 

With that out of the way, I say this is a solid series that draws you in right away. Once you pick this up, it is hard to put down. Sure, we've had takes on corrupt and/or flawed superheroes before, but this series explores that in a dark, gritty, raunchy, and at times very graphic way. You can feel the suspense and tension of the stories but you also get some humor along the way. I still smile recalling the Love Sausage. To be honest, at least in this volume, a lot of the heavily graphic stuff happens early on, then the story moves from strongly shocking-- to some folks at least-- to the deeper conspiracy and corruption narrative. 

A strength of the series so far is gradually learning The Boys' motivations, who they are and why they do what they do. We also learn over time how the supes operate, their hierarchies, and their corporate sponsors. Oh yes, big corporations are involved. 

The first volume sets up what is to come very well. On its own it is a terrific and immersive reading experience. I will seek out the rest of the series. A positive note is that this is a completed series, and there are 6 omnibus editions. 

On a side note, I have not seen the Amazon Prime series based on the comic, though my initial impression is they may have softened it a bit, Viewers who have also read the comic can feel free to comment and let me know just how close to the comics or not the series is. I will add that if all you have watched is the series, you probably should consider reading the comics.

Overall, this is a series I am enjoying, and I would personally add to my collection. Recommended for libraries with graphic novel collections, but do make note of the "mature" rating (i.e. do not shelves this next to something like My Little Pony or such). 

5 out of 5 stars. 

Books I have read with similar appeal: 

• Watchmen by Alan Moore. 
• 100 Bullets, for the conspiracy elements. 
• Wanted by Mark Millar. 
• Plus, if you like Ennis, you may like, or you probably already read, his Preacher series. 

A quote from Billy Butcher that caught my eye because he understands how the United States works quite well. The series often has little insights like this: 

"I love this country. You can get a hundred different sorts of donuts or any other old bollocks you don't need, twenty-four hours a day. An' they're all so fuckin' stupid, Hughie.

They're all so scared of losin' whatever little fortune it is they think they've got, they never dream of havin' a look over their shoulders. You're careful about it, you can get away with practically anything" (in issue 5). 

 

Book qualifies for these 2021 Reading Challenges: 

 

 

Booknote: Bettie Page, Volume 1

David Avallone and Colton Worley (artist), Bettie Page, Volume 1: Bettie in Hollywood. Mt. Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2018. ISBN: 978-1-5241-0644-7.

Genre: graphic novels and comics
Subgenre: 1950s, retro, humor, adventure
Format: e-galley
Source: NetGalley

I was a bit skeptical when I saw this. I know the publishers will try just about anything, but this seemed a bit of a stretch. However, I found it to be a light and fun read that also pokes fun at some of the 1950s images and cliches.

The premise is that famous model Bettie Page kept a secret diary, a diary that tells her story as a secret spy. Of course, this could not be told at the time, but at last the truth can come out now. It all starts when a guy offers her a job as an office assistant in a secret facility, and it goes from there. Along the way she is chased by G-Men as well as mad scientists plus she is also trying to keep working in movies, B-movies in this case.

While the story can be amusing at times, the plot can feel a bit convoluted and confusing in some parts. Despite that, the story has a light sense of humor, like it does not take itself too seriously. For me, the best part in the art, which captures Bettie pretty well as well as the time period, enhancing the B-movie aesthetic in the comic.

Additionally, this volume features a covers gallery section combining photos of Bettie Page and art by Joseph Linsner. Linsner really makes Bettie look good.

Overall, I liked it. The story was mostly OK, but the art and humor help make up for it. I like it enough that I am willing to read the next volume in the series.

3 out of 5 stars.

This book qualifies for the following 2020 Reading Challenges:

#ArcApocalypse Reading Challenge 

Short booknotes on graphic novels 25 plus an extra or two

This is another list of comics and graphic novels that I have read recently. These are mostly quick reads, so I am just doing some short review notes. Most of these came from the Madison County (KY) Public Library unless otherwise noted.

Lincoln Pierce, Big Nate: Great Minds Think Alike. Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2014. ISBN: 978-1-4494-36353.

In this volume, Nate's dad basically ruins Halloween by handing out soy nuts. Believe me, you do not want to have him for a dad. The plot with Mr. Ross the art teacher was pretty amusing. In the end, it was an amusing collection, some strips better than others. I liked it, but this is basically a volume to borrow.

3 out of 5 stars.


Kris Wilson, et.al., Cyanide and Happiness: Stab Factory. Los Angeles, CA: Boom! Box, 2015. ISBN: 978-1-66886-769-1.

This is a collection from the webcomic. It features comics you probably saw online plus 30 strips new for the book. Honestly, it amazes me this comic survives. It tries to be subversive, edgy, and dark, but if this book is an indicator, most of the strips' humor just falls flat. As I read, I counted about five strips in the whole collection that could be considered humorous. The rest are just blah overall. They are not bad, but they are nothing to write home about.  Do note the book has an advisory that  it is for mature readers.  But to be honest, it's not really that edgy. As kids would say, it was mostly meh. Borrow it if you must, or just read the comic for free online if you have to.

Borrowed from Hutchins Library, Berea College.

2 out of 5 stars (barely).


Jim Davis, Garfield Cleans His Plate: His 60th Book. New York: Ballantine Books, 2015. ISBN: 978-0-345-52608-3.

By now, Davis is in his stride. Jon continues getting along with Liz, and Garfield is up to his usual antics. Some highlights in this book include Jon losing his cellphone (and liking it, a feeling I can relate to), Garfield watching the Laughing Baby Channel (now there is an idea for a television channel), and Jon calls a fortune teller. Overall, I liked it. Nice easy read.

3 out of 5 stars.

Jim Davis, Garfield Cooks Up Trouble: His 63rd Book. New York: Ballantine Books, 2017. ISBN: 978-0-425-28562-6.

Though the title suggests this book might emphasize food and cookery humor, it is just another basic compilation of strips. It is a nice, easy read but no big deal. Highlights include Jon having a smart ass mobile phone assistant (think Siri), Garfield watching scary movies, and Garfield trying to convince Santa Claus he's been good.

3 out of 5 stars.


Jim Davis, Garfield Feeds His Face: His 64th Book. New York: Ballantine Books, 2017. ISBN: 978-0-425-28567-1.

It was a nice and light read with some cute and amusing moments. Davis does strive to keep up with trends such as cellphone use. Otherwise, the book is not much different from others. I am enjoying Jon's interactions with Liz.

3 out of 5 stars.


Jim Davis, Garfield Eats and Runs: His 65th Book. New York: Ballantine Books, 2018. ISBN: 978-0-425-28572-5.

Another Garfield collection. Still amusing and entertaining though the humor can be a little inconsistent on this one. A nice easy read.

3 out of 5 stars. 


Greg Farshtey, et.al., Night of the Nindroids (LEGO Ninjago #9). New York: Papercutz, 2014.

This is a nice little comic featuring the Ninjago ninjas from LEGO. In this issue, Zane, the droid ninja, is tempted to join the Nindroids. Will he betray his friends? The book has a few twists and turns. It's a good story, but it does not feel to be among the better ones in the series. The art is nice and very colorful. The volume also features a bonus story with Lloyd the green ninja. Fans will likely enjoy it. For me, it was a quick read. Unless your kids or you are fans, it is better to borrow this one. For libraries that already get LEGO books for children, this is likely a good option.

3 out of 5 stars.


Joel M. Hoffman, The Bible's Cutting Room Floor. New York: Thomas Dunne Books, 2014. ISBN:  9781250047960. 

A look at the many books and parts of what we know as the Bible that got left out, cut out, edited out over time for a variety of reasons, but often to enforce control and uniformity. Sure we know that Adam and Eve got kicked out of Eden, but did you know there are stories of what happened to them right afterwards? Also, there are way more psalms than the 150 you find in the Bible.  The book looks at various old texts that did not quite make it to answer a variety of questions. Like most scholarly books, it is fairly dry and not easy to read. I wanted to like this, and the topic seemed interesting, but it was a drag to read. Professor Hoffman does provide a good section of notes and bibliography for folks wanting to learn more. 2 out of 5 stars.

 
Tom Taylor, Star Wars: Darth Maul-- Death Sentence. Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse Comics, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-61655--077-6.

Darth Maul, after being rescued and restored from his almost lethal duel with Obi Wan Kenobi, is wreaking havoc with his brother Savage Oppress. When mining magnate Ja'Boag puts a bounty on their heads, they decide to target him. However, Ja'Boag has his own private army, and the Jedi are willing to help him.

The story is a quick read with a good amount of action. It takes place after the events of Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace. It is entertaining and a light story overall. Fans will likely appreciate it. I liked it overall.  3 out of 5 stars.

Max Bemis, et.al., Centipede. Volume 1: Game Over. Mt. Laurel, NJ; Dynamite Entertainment, 2018. ISBN:  9781524105860.

I do not have much to say about this book. It took me so long to post feedback because honestly I wanted to like this, and it was just a disappointment. I grew up on the classic Centipede game of the 80s, and this comic just does not do any justice to that. It starts out well, then it turns into a convoluted incoherent mess that one just does not know what or where to focus on. Overall, I usually like Dynamite Comics (often a lot), but this was not good. Oh well, I will wait for something better down the road. I do not recommend libraries adding this to their graphic novel collections (I am not adding it to ours).  1 out of 5 stars (barely). 

Booknote: Green Hornet: Reign of the Demon

David Liss, et.al., The Green Hornet: Reign of the Demon. Mt. Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2017. ISBN: 9781524103385.

Genre: comics and graphic novels
Subgenre: adventure, super heroes, detective
Format: e-galley
Source: NetGalley

This volume collects issues 1-4 of this series. Britt Reid has changed careers. He sold the newspaper to go into the new business of radio. Meanwhile, as the Green Hornet, he has mostly dismantled the Chicago mob. However, a  new villain, Demone, who is very well prepared for Green Hornet, rises to fill the void. As if things were not bad enough, a new vigilante, The Swashbuckler, appears, and The Sentinel newspaper has a new eager beaver reporter pestering Britt. There is a lot going on.

The story picks up right away. If you have not read this comic before, you get enough exposition to get you caught up, making the comic accessible to new readers. The comic's story combines intrigue and mystery with plenty of action. The story builds up the tension well as questions arise: who really is Demone? is the new police commissioner corrupt or not? and other questions. Some questions get answered by the end, but are also left with a cliffhanger that sets up the next part of the story arc.

We also get good, colorful art that brings the story to life. The characters look very good in this one.

Overall, I really liked this volume. Fans of the Green Hornet will be pleased. It's a good choice for libraries with graphic novel collections, especially if they want something other than the usual DC and Marvel comics fare.

4 out of 5 stars.

This book qualifies for the following 2017 Reading Challenges:

Booknote: Homies

David Gonzales and Elliot Serrano, Homies. Runnemede, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2017. ISBN: 9781524103804. 

Genre: comics and graphic novels
Subgenre: humor, Latino, Chicanos
Format: e-galley
Source: NetGalley

This comic volume is a compilation of stories about the Chicano homies living in Barrio Quien Sabe of East L.A. This comic was popular in the 1990s, and this is a new set of stories written by the comic's creator. This work certainly makes me want to seek the previous comics. This volume was a great read.

The four stories in the volume are:

• Hollywood, the ever bachelor, decides finally to tie the knot with Gata. Mayhem ensues. 
• The local community center is getting a seriously bad budget cut, so the homies put together a lucha libre match for charity. 
• La Llorona has appeared. Who has summoned her?
• Finally, read the story  of the barrio's best car mechanic, who is quite the illegal alien. 

The stories combine oddball humor, heartwarming moments, mucho corazón, and even a bit of wonder. There are moving moments and plenty of laughter inducing situations. I really enjoyed reading this one, and I read it in one sitting as it just drew me in. 

The art is another great reason to pick up this volume. It captures the culture and characters of the barrio quite well. The art makes the comic feel authentic. It is also very colorful. For instance, I loved the art on the lucha poster. 

Another interesting detail is the narration. The narrator talks to the reader as if you are an old friend not seen for a while returning to el barrio. It makes you feel warm and welcome. 

Overall, it is a great read I recommend. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

This book qualifies for the following 2017 Reading Challenges: 

 

Booknote: James Bond: Hammerhead

Andy Diggle, James Bond: Hammerhead. Mt. Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2017. ISBN: 9781524103224. 

Genre: comics and  graphic novels
Subgenre: action, adventure, spies, secret agents
Format: e-book galley
Source: NetGalley

Dynamite has a new run of James Bond comics, and I finally got to look at one of them. Warren Ellis started writing them. This one is done by Andy Diggle, continuing that work. I will say that it captures the feel and spirit of James Bond quite nicely.

In this adventure, James Bond has to stop an anti-capitalist radical that is targeting Britain's nuclear arsenal. As he investigates, he crosses paths with an industrialist who also happens to have the contract for a lot of British military work, including work with that nuclear arsenal. There may be a little comment there on just how much a military should be getting cozy with  a private contractor, but I digress. What Bond finds is a plot to make Great Britain be a great empire like used to be once more.

The story has a good pace, and it is entertaining blending action and intrigue. As I said, it captures the feel of the James Bond world and characters. If you enjoyed the older James Bond movies with Sean Connery, and even the ones with Roger Moore, you will probably enjoy this comic. It captures a bit of that old time feel with a nice contemporary touch. You get the gadgets, the action, the glamour, the sexy ladies, a femme fatale, so on. For me, it almost felt like watching a movie. The story moves along pretty quickly, so it left me wanting more, and I will certainly seek out more of this series. The art is very good as well, and brings the story to life.

Overall, I really liked it.

4 out of 5 stars.

This book  qualifies for the following 2017 Reading Challenges:

Booknote: Betty Boop

Roger Langridge, Betty Boop. Mount Laurel, NJ; Dynamite Entertainment, 2017. ISBN: 9781524103187.

Genre: graphic novels and comics
Subgenre: vintage comics, humor
Format: e-book galley
Source: NetGalley

I remember watching Betty Boop cartoons as a kid. Given she was a bit before my time, these would have been in syndication. I do not remember much other than she was cute, that she sang now and then, and of course her famous catchphrase. So when I saw this title, I figured it would be a nice nostalgia trip.

My memories did not quite match up. Either the cartoons I watched did not have that whole ghosts trying to take over her house plot, or I just forgot about it. At any rate, that is the major plot of the story in this volume. To be honest, the stories featured in the volume are pretty much so-so, and they are not particularly memorable. The best part of the comic is the art. It truly brings the comic to live, and Betty looks particularly good. She looks even better in the comic issue covers, which are included in the volume.

The bottom line is that this was a nice quick read. It was entertaining, and it did have some humor to it. However, it is not a particularly memorable volume. As I mentioned, I liked it more for the art than the narrative. The covers would make nice poster prints. This is one to borrow rather than buy. For libraries, I would consider it an optional purchase.

3 out of 5 stars.


This book qualifies for these 2017 Reading Challenges:

Booknote: Aliens/Vampirella

Corinna Sara Bechko, Aliens/Vampirella. Mt. Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2016. ISBN: 9781606909911.

Genre: comics
Subgenres: science fiction, horror, superheroes, crossover
Format: e-book galley
Source: NetGalley

I admit that I was skeptical initially about this crossover comic, but it worked out a lot better than I thought. In the future, humans are colonizing Mars. They find out others have been there before: the Nosferatu. Vampirella gets called in to help investigate the vampire ruins only to discover what probably did the Nosferatu in: xenomorphs. Vampirella gets blamed when the xenomorphs threaten the human colony, even though she is trying to save them. A solution needs to be found because the next colonial ship is on its way. It's a race against time to save the colony, if it even can be saved.

Horror and adventure blend together quite well in this comic. If you've enjoyed Vampirella stories before, you will likely enjoy this one. If not, there is enough in the comic to get to know the character. Fans of the Aliens franchise will probably enjoy this one as well. The comic is fast paced, and it offers a good amount of action, suspense, and horror. The comic's art is also very good and enhances the dark horror elements of the story. I did enjoy this one from the start to finish. If you have enjoyed either franchise, this will be a good choice. If you are not a fan, but you do enjoy horror and action, this is a good comic to take a chance. I really liked, and I think many readers will too.

4 out of 5 stars.

This book qualifies for these 2016 Reading Challenges:

Booknote: Justice, Inc.

Michael Uslan, Justice, Inc. Mt. Laurel, NJ; Dynamite Entertainment, 2015. ISBN: 9781606906620.

Genre: graphic novels and comics
Subgenre: pulp heroes
Format: e-book galley
Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

This comic is a crossover title of pulp-era superheroes: The Shadow, Doc Savage, and The Avenger. These characters were first introduced in the pulp magazines of Street and Smith. 75 years later they get to team up to save the world. Michael Uslan, the author, is also the author of The Shadow/Green Hornet: Dark Nights (link to my review).

I've been a fan of The Shadow comics for a while, so I was interested in this title right away. Though I am not as familiar with the other two heroes, I can say that I definitely enjoyed this book. You don't need to be very familiar with the characters, but if you are it does help in understanding some of the references in the comic. Still, I feel encouraged to seek out Doc Savage and The Avenger comics down the road. I had heard of Doc Savage but have not gotten to reading his comics. The Avenger is new to me. I am curious to read more, and for me, wanting to read more is always a pleasant takeaway from any book I read.

In this adventure, a passenger jetliner from our time gets caught in what turns out to be a wormhole. The plane reappears in 1939 New York City. It briefly lands at the airport, and Doc Savage gets it back on the air before authorities seize it. However, it turns out this event is part of a larger scheme by the Voodoo Master and his allies where the master seeks world domination by controlling time with a device. Our trio of heroes have to stop them.

As in previous Uslan works, this story has depth, action, and it keeps the pulp adventure feel. As readers, we are drawn deeper into the tale as the plot moves forward. In addition, we get the historical element; this tale features a few brief appearances by historical figures such as Howard Hughes and J. Edgar Hoover. That historical element adds a nice layer to the overall story. The story itself has a pretty good pace, and it should appeal to fans of pulps.

The volume collects the complete Justice, Inc. series by Michael Uslan. It also features covers for the comic issues by Alex Ross; this is another reason to get this book. Additionally, the volume includes a series of endnotes to explain the historical details Uslan integrates into the story, which I am sure trivia fans and history buffs will enjoy (I know I did). Finally, we get a covers gallery to round out the volume.

I really, really liked this one, and I would highly recommend it. I'd even add it to my personal collection. I'd say it is a good choice for libraries. It is a good entertaining fun tale that draws you in.

I am giving it 5 out of 5 stars. 

This book qualifies for the following 2015 Reading Challenges:

Booknote: Flash Gordon Omnibus

 Jeff Parker, et.al., Flash Gordon Omnibus. Mt. Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2015. ISBN: 9781606905999.

Genre: comics and graphic novels
Subgenre: superheroes, adventure, retro
Format: e-book galley
Source: Provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This feels a lot like the classic Flash Gordon comics, so if you remember those, you will probably enjoy this newer series as well as it captures the essence of that. If the only Flash Gordon  you know is from that one movie with the Queen soundtrack, then forget that and read this. Don't get me wrong, the film has a special place in my heart due to nostalgia, but the comic is better. I also remember watching some reruns of the old show, so all those memories come into play here. This was a fun volume to read. Flash Gordon may be a bit of a misfit on Earth. Back there, he is the son of a rich man who can't seem to find his direction in life. He gets involved with Dr. Zarkov and Dale Arden, a reporter, and they end up on Planet Mongo. It is here where Flash seems to find his direction and fate. Mongo is ruled by the ruthless Ming the Merciless. Ming controls various colonies such as Arboria and Sky City. The colonies are oppressed, and they are in need of someone to inspire them to rebellion? Could Flash Gordon be that man?

The comic is a light read. It combines a good amount of action with some sprinkling of humor. This is what action adventure is about. In these comics, Flash is portrayed as very capable; he certainly is very fit physically, can do great feats of strength, and is a serious swordmaster. However, he is also very impulsive and rash. He needs someone to keep him in focus. As the series progresses, he does begin to find a sense of direction and seeks to do what is right. So, we have a tale of a man finding his talent filled with adventure in an alien world. Add to this art that is colorful and has a feel for the classic comics, even if Flash Gordon is modernized for our time, and you get a fun volume to read.

This is definitely a good addition for libraries with graphic novel collections. I am sure it will be a good one for public libraries. If your library happened to have old tapes or DVDs of the classic show,  you could display and advertise them along with this graphic novel. For readers who have never read or heard of Flash Gordon, this is a good entry point. If you have read or watched the show or film, then this comic will take you back. Want to get your swashbuckling fix? Flash Gordon has you covered.

The volume picks up the complete 8 issue run of the Flash Gordon comics from Dynamite Entertainment plus two more issues: the Flash Gordon 2014 Holiday Special and the Flash Gordon 2014 Annual. You also get some bonus stories from Planet Mongo and a cover gallery. So overall, it is a pretty good value for readers.

I really liked this one, so I am giving it 4 out of 5 stars.

This book qualifies for the following 2015 Reading Challenges:

The Best Books I Read in 2014: An Appendix to My Reading List for 2014

(Crossposted from The Gypsy Librarian.)

As I mentioned in the post "My Reading List for 2014," I had a lot of books that I felt were excellent and deserved a full five out of five stars rating (I rate on a five star scale). There were so many that I decided to make a separate post just to share the list with my four readers (maybe if I work hard enough, we can increase it to five readers of the blog this year).

The list is in no particular order. Most of these are graphic novels and comics as that is a genre I tend to favor. If I have posted a review, I will provide the link.

Graphic novels and comics

Thanks to NetGalley (and Edelweiss to a small extent), I am reading a lot more graphic novels and comics, including titles that I think many libraries do not see or miss. I personally enjoy this as it adds some diversity to my reading, especially when I read stuff other than the usual. Only sad thing is NetGalley does not have Marvel titles, but I guess you can't have it all. Anyhow, these are the comics and graphic novels I consider my best readings for the year.

• Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection, Volume 1. My library recently acquired the five volume set of this. This is the ninja turtles as they are, before Nickelodeon got a hold of them and sanitized them.  Contrary to what most people think, it was not a comic for young kids. It is a great comic overall. I will certainly be reading the rest of the volumes in the set. 
• Jimmy Palmiotti, Harley Quinn, Volume 1: Hot in the City (The New 52). From my review, "Harley gets her own volume and adventures as she tries to move on without her Mr. J in her life and a new inheritance." If you like the Batman comics, you will probably enjoy this one as well.
• Geoff Johns, Batman: Earth One. Maybe instead of watching stuff like Gotham, which is basically Batman without Batman, you can read this and get the same vibe, only better.
• Jeff Parker, et.al., Batman '66, Vol. 1. This was just good nostalgia fun.
• Taran Killam, et.al., The Illegitimates. Another one that was fun. This time in the old school James Bond kind of fashion.
• The American Vampire series continues to be one of the best things out there. This year I read volumes 4 and 6 of the series. It is a series I will continue reading as it keeps getting deeper and developing its story over time well. It also captures the feel of the era a particular volume is in very well. In fact, as of this post, I have volume 7 queued up on my feed reader from NetGalley. 
• Scott Snyder, et.al., The Joker: Death of the Family. This is probably the best way to read this great series from DC's The New 52. You can find the trades, and I read some of them, but once I found this was available, it made things a lot easier. For me, books like this are a reason why I prefer to read a story once it is compiled. The volume is a great choice for libraries with graphic novels collections.
• J. Michael Straczynski, Superman: Earth One.
• The Saga series. Last year I added volume 3 to what I have read. I hear the fourth volume is out, so rest assured I will be reading it. This is certainly one of the best things going on out there. You can tell people are catching on as Saga did make it on various end of year and must read lists.
• Max Brooks, The Harlem Hellfighters.
• Karl Bollers, et.al., Watson and Holmes: A Study in Black. For me, this was a great discovery. Sherlock Holmes has enjoyed a bit of a revival with recent shows like Sherlock (which I have watched and enjoyed) and Elementary (which I could not care less about). This graphic novel gives the character a nice, fresh and hip look. It is a lot more than just a new look. It really pays attention to the classic and brings it up to our modern time. 
• Matz, The Killer, Vol. 4: Unfair Competition. Matz's series is another one I enjoy greatly, the practical assassin trying to make it in the harsh world. Another great series I will keep seeking out. 
• Michael Uslan, The Shadow/Green Hornet, Vol. 1: Dark Nights.
• Jonathan Hickman, East of West, Volume 1: The Promise. 
• Simon Oliver, FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics, Volume 1: The Paradigm Shift. This was an interesting discovery for me, a world where the laws of physics stop working as they normally do, and the federal agency tasked with dealing with it. That is  just the start.
•  Jai Nitz, Dream Thief, Volume 1.
• Gail Simone, Red Sonja, Volume 1: Queen of Plagues. Gail Simone is also known for her run of Batgirl in DC Comics. I am not as a big a fan of Batgirl (many other librarians fawn over Barbara Gordon, a character that is a librarian in the comics. Me? Cassandra Cain was more my favorite Batgirl); I read the title now and then. However, I do like Red Sonja, and Gail Simone has done great work with that character.
• John Lewis, et.al, March, Book One. This is a great one to read for Black History Month, though you can and should read it any time.A great example of how you can teach about history with a graphic novel.
• Box Brown, Andre the Giant: Life and Legend. This is one I recommend to show the good things you can do with a graphic novel. A light but very moving biography of a man who was very generous yet fought in and out of the ring men and his own demons.
• Stephen Mooney, Half Past Danger. If you like things like Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark, not so much Crystal Skull) and other old school action adventures, this may be for you. Add in the femme fatale and some dinosaurs for a fun mix.
• Kenny Byerly, et,al., Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures, Vol. 1. And this is the ninja turtles for the kids today. It is an all ages comic based on the recent Nickelodeon production of the comic. It is cute, fun, and nice entertainment. Kids will definitely like it. 
• James Stokoe, Wonton Soup.  Think Iron Chef (the original Japanese show, not the American knock off) and space truckers.

Manga

•  Osamu Tezuka's Adolf series. It is a five volume series. Though I did not give all volumes five out of five stars, read together this is definitely one of the best reads I did for 2014. It is the story of three Adolfs, one of them being the Fuhrer of Germany, during World War II. Their lives are very connected as we go from Japan to Germany and back. My review of the first volume, Adolf, Volume 1: A Tale of the Twentieth Century is up now. Others will come soon. The series is an award winner too; it won the Kodansha Manga Award.
• Sean Michael Wilson, Musashi.
• Jinsei Kataoka and Kazuma Kondou, Deadman Wonderland, Volume 1. 

 Nonfiction

• Rachel Maddow, Drift: the Unmooring of American Military Power.  This was my one audiobook of the year. It is a book I highly recommend. Though you can read it in print just fine, I think it works better in the audio as she reads the text. 
• Robert Dawson, The Public Library: A Photographic Essay. Of the LIS and related books I read in 2014, this was one of the best. For all the hype stuff some librarians fall for, this simple book is really inspiring and a reminder for many of us why we are proud to be librarians and serve our communities. 
• Donald Nausbaum, Cuba: Portrait of an Island. A nice photo collection. This came before recent news about Cuba and the U.S. possibly opening up relations once more. Still, a very nice book to look at.
• Daniel Yaffe, Drink More Whiskey!  From my review, "For someone wanting to learn more about whiskey in a casual and accessible style, this is a book for you. There are many books written about alcoholic spirits, but they are often written for hardcore aficionados and alcoholistas (yes, I am coining the term)." This book is more for the casual person seeking some knowledge. 
• Carol Leifer, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying. From my review, "A strength of Leifer's book is in the lessons for work and life that she presents. She may be writing from her perspective as a comedian, but her advice applies to any career path." 
• Andrew Knapp, Find Momo. This is one of those books that make you go "aww, how cute!" It is a beautiful book for folks of all ages.
• Alberto Manguel, The Library at Night.  This is definitely one of the nicest books overall I read this year. For folks who love libraries and books, this is a sure thing to read. From my review, "If you are feeling down from bad news of library closings or not getting enough funding, or are you just sick and tired of the next 'trend' in libraries making it sound like libraries are dead fossils, then toss all that away and curl up comfortably with a serving of your favorite beverage and this book."
• Jenny M. Jones, The Annotated Godfather: The Complete Screenplay. For fans of the film, this is one they will want to read and add to their collections.

Erotica

This includes fiction as well as nonfiction.

• Rachel Kramer Bussel, ed., The Big Book of Orgasms: 69 Sexy Stories. 
• Rachel Kramer Bussel, ed., Best Bondage Erotica 2014.
•  Tristan Taormino, 50 Shades of Kink: an Introduction to BDSM.

Miscellaneous

Other good stuff.

• Ian Doescher, William Shakespeare's The Empire Striketh Back. 
• Jeffrey Brown, Goodnight Darth Vader. 

Booknote: Ash and the Army of Darkness

Steve Niles, Ash and the Army of Darkness. Mount Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2014. ISBN: 9781606905166.

This volume collects issues 1-8 of the comic. The volume opens with a nice cover gallery; it features some very neat images of Ash, and this is a nice way to open the volume. Overall, this is a nice sequel to the films as Ash goes back to the Dark Ages where the Wise Man, not so wisely, read the book (you know the one), and so the deadites are unleashed once more. It falls to Ash to save the day. . . again. That is what happens when you don't pay attention and fail to say an incantation correctly. This collection is filled with enough action to satisfy fans of the series. The art was pretty good too, and it brings the story to life. I really liked this one, and it was a fast paced read. Fans of the series will want to pick this one up. It makes a good continuation of the story many love. I would certainly buy it for my library, and public libraries will probably want to get it as well.

I am giving it 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure:  This is where I tell you that I read this via NetGalley; it was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. There, The Man should be happy now.